Department for Transport

Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions

Sir Robert Goodwill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to introduce a Crown Commercial Services framework for zero emission vehicles.

Jesse Norman: The Department for Transport works closely with Crown Commercial Services, which have multiple procurement frameworks to help public bodies buy goods and services, including on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The frameworks are used by government fleets, local authorities and the wider public sector to support the transition to zero emission vehicles and help meet our net zero goals.

Motorcycles: Carbon Emissions

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason new non-zero emission L3e-A1 motorcycles have been included in the proposed phase out date of 2030.

Jesse Norman: Due to their smaller size and lower power requirements, L3e-A1 motorcycles are more compatible with the zero emission technologies currently available and are expected to be amongst the first to move to zero exhaust emissions.

Motor Vehicles: Carbon Emissions

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has had recent discussions with representatives of  the L-Category sector on the viability of the proposals within the consultation on when to end the sale of new non-zero emission L-category vehicles, published on 14 July 2022.

Jesse Norman: The consultation on when to end the sale of new non-zero emission L-category vehicles was open to written responses from 14 July to 21 September 2022. It was supported by a thorough programme of stakeholder engagement with manufacturers and the wider industry led by Ministers.

Great British Railways

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what lessons he has learned from the competition for the location of the Great British railways national headquarters including from the public consultation and ministerial visits.

Huw Merriman: The competition to decide on the location of the headquarters for Great British Railways (GBR) launched on 5 February 2022, generating expressions of interest from 42 locations across the country. These were assessed against a range of criteria to generate a shortlist of six locations, which were then put to a public vote.  During the six-week voting period more than 200,000 votes were cast for the shortlisted locations, which the previous Rail Minister visited during July and August 2022. A decision on the final location will be announced shortly. Only once this process is complete would it be appropriate to reflect on any lessons learnt.

Great British Railways

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on the future of Great British Railways.

Huw Merriman: In May 2021, we published the Plan for Rail White Paper. We are committed to tackling the challenges set out in the Plan for Rail and fully implementing the modernisation needed for passengers and freight, to transform the industry so that it is sustainable for the future.

Electric Scooters: Safety

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Transport Bill announced in the Queen's Speech 2022, what steps he is taking to tackle safety concerns relating to the proposed legalisation of use of e-scooters on public roads.

Jesse Norman: Safety will always be a top priority as we consider options for regulating e-scooters. The Department is drawing on the helpful work of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, Warwick Manufacturing Group and groups representing blind and visually impaired people. No final decisions have been made and the Department will consult publicly before any new arrangements come into force. Alongside the national evaluation of the e-scooter trials, we are continuing to gather wider evidence on the safety of e-scooters, including through DfT official statistics (such as STATS19), social behavioural research, as well as by following research conducted by external bodies. The findings report from the evaluation, and underlying datasets, will be published in due course.

Rapid Transit Systems and Trams: Fares

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the viability of (a) light rail and (b) tram services of permitting those services to operate in the same concessionary fare system as buses.

Mr Richard Holden: The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age to ensure that no older or disabled person in England need be prevented from bus travel by cost alone. Funding for this is provided through the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Settlement Funding Assessment: a Grant that supports a wide range of activities to ensure that each local transport authority receives the funding that they need. This funding is not ringfenced to enable local authorities to make spending decisions that more closely align with local needs and circumstances. There are currently no further plans to directly extend the concessionary fares for buses to light rail or tram systems. In addition, local authorities have the powers to provide further discretionary concessions in addition to ENCTS, through local resources such as Council Tax.All Travel Concession Authorities that have light rail or tram systems in England, including Nottingham City Council, choose to fund travel on their systems as a discretionary concession.

Motor Vehicles: Ukraine

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will extend the entitlement of Ukrainian refugees to drive Ukrainian registered vehicles.

Mr Richard Holden: Foreign registered vehicles brought temporarily into the UK by a non-UK resident are exempt from UK registration and licensing requirements for up to six months, in any 12-month period. Following that, foreign nationals wishing to use their vehicle while they are staying in the UK will need to register. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recognises the unique circumstances for Ukrainians entering the UK and will support any foreign nationals with the registration and tax process.

Public Transport: Harassment

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps their Department has taken to help protect passengers from harassment on public transport.

Mr Richard Holden: Everyone has the right to feel safe when travelling and using public spaces and we are determined to improve the safety of our transport network. In March this year, the Violence Against Women and Girls Transport Champions published 13 recommendations on how we can improve the safety of women and girls on the transport network. Safe access to transport networks should be embedded in the core objectives of all that we do, and progressing these recommendations will make the network more welcoming not just to women and girls, but also to all transport users.A national Sexual Harassment on Rail campaign went live in August 2021, based around a zero-tolerance approach to unwanted sexual behaviour. The British Transport Police launched the Railway Guardian app in July 2022. The app provides rail passengers with a one-stop-shop containing tools and advice to assist in their safe travel across the railway. The National Bus Strategy made clear that the sector should strive for the highest safety standards, upheld by the Traffic Commissioners. The Department was clear that Bus Service Improvement Plans should also demonstrate how Local Transport Authorities and bus operators will work together to ensure that bus services are safe and perceived to be safe by all.

Trams: Finance

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to extend recent support to maintain the viability of bus routes to also support local tram networks.

Mr Richard Holden: The Government has provided over £2 billion in emergency and recovery grants to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the bus and light rail sector and continues to discuss with the sector what further support might be appropriate. Pandemic-related funding for English Light Rail systems outside London ended on 4 October 2022. This funding had represented exceptional subsidy for light rail systems as their operation and financial sustainability are largely devolved. The Local Transport Fund, which provided funding until October 2022, helped local authorities with Light Rail systems to adjust to post-pandemic travel patterns.Furthermore, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme will help reduce the financial pressure on light rail systems caused by higher energy prices this winter. This support is expected to be worth millions of pounds to the sector.The Department continues to engage with key stakeholders in the Light Rail sector to understand the financial pressures on systems, including regarding energy prices.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department takes to audit expenditure by local authorities in England from dedicated pothole funds; and if he will make an estimate of the proportion of that funding used to remove potholes.

Mr Richard Holden: The Department for Transport (DfT) allocates capital funding to local highways authorities so they can most effectively spend this funding on maintaining and improving their respective network, based upon their local knowledge, circumstances, and priorities. This considers all parts of the highway network, such as bridges, cycleways, and lighting columns – and not just the fixing of potholes. It is up to the respective highway authority how best to spend this funding to fulfil their statutory duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980. The Department strongly advocates a risk-based whole-lifecycle asset management approach to local authority highways maintenance programmes to ensure this funding is used as effectively as possible. Funding allocations can be found on GOV.UK:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/highways-maintenance-funding-allocations/highways-maintenance-and-itb-funding-formula-allocations-2022-to-2025

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Wind Power: Taxation

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of exempting operatively-owned wind farms from the proposed Cost-Plus Revenue Limit for power generation.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Natural Gas: Shetland

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of halting the development of the North Sea gas field Rosebank.

Graham Stuart: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Electric Vehicles: Rural Areas

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure that rural properties are supplied with sufficient electricity to charge vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the level of investment into the national grid that will be required to ensure there will be sufficient infrastructure in place to cater for the charging of electric vehicles after 2035; and if he will make a statement.

Graham Stuart: In August 2022, the Government and Ofgem jointly published the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework, setting out a vision for the transformation of the electricity network to ensure it enables a clean, secure and low-cost energy system. The Framework included analysis suggesting that the network could require an additional £100-£240bn of investment to meet net zero and could support 50,000-130,000 jobs and contribute £4-11bn to the economy by 2050. Network regulation, including ensuring sufficient investment to meet demand from electric vehicles in both rural and urban areas, is a matter for Ofgem.

Science: Research

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government remains committed to spending £6bn over three years on its own global science fund if it cannot rejoin the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme.

George Freeman: Our preference remains association to EU programmes and we continue to do everything we can to secure this, however we cannot wait indefinitely; the EU’s delays are creating significant uncertainty for our R&D communities. The 2021 Spending Review confirmed that if we are unable to associate, the funding allocated to Horizon association will go to other UK Government-funded R&D programmes instead, including those to support international research & innovation partnerships.

Question

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effects of fracking on meeting global climate targets.

Graham Stuart: The Government issued a Written Ministerial Statement on 27 October confirming that it will adopt a presumption against issuing further hydraulic fracturing consents. This effective moratorium will be maintained until compelling new evidence is provided addressing concerns around the prediction and management of induced seismicity. As such, shale gas extraction will not impact the UK meeting global climate targets.

Boilers: Hydrogen

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will designate hydrogen-ready boilers as an eligible technology in the proposed market-based mechanism for low carbon heat.

Graham Stuart: The Government is working with industry, regulators and others to assess the feasibility, costs and benefits of 100% hydrogen for heat decarbonisation. In the meantime, the Government has set out plans to consult on proposals to require that all new domestic gas boilers are hydrogen-ready from 2026. The Clean Heat Market Mechanism would not be a suitable or necessary scheme to support the roll-out of hydrogen-ready boilers and the Government has set out that the scheme’s focus will be on supporting the development of the market for low-carbon heat pumps.

Question

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with Cabinet members on the findings and recommendations of the Climate Change Committee’s 2022 Progress Report to Parliament.

Graham Stuart: Departments, across Government, are carefully considering the Committee’s detailed report and will respond early next year. Delivering net zero is essential to tackling global challenges and delivering economic opportunities for the UK. Ministers are working together across Government on this agenda.

Boilers: Hydrogen

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when his Department expects to publish the results of the hydrogen-ready boiler consultation.

Graham Stuart: The Government will consult on requiring new gas boilers to be readily convertible to hydrogen (‘hydrogen-ready’) from 2026 to prepare homes for a potential hydrogen conversion. The Government will publish this consultation in due course.

Question

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Government on its progress on meeting its COP26 commitments.

Graham Stuart: BEIS Ministers regularly meet with Government colleagues to discuss COP26 commitments, including progress towards our own net zero targets.The Government is leading on climate change at home, including reducing emissions faster than any other G7 economy, and continuing to drive action internationally.

Question

Simon Fell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking with international partners to share best practice on renewable energy generation.

Graham Stuart: The UK plays a leading role with international partners in accelerating renewable and green-grid deployment, drawing on our world-leading experience. Sharing our expertise has helped countries increase their clean energy ambition, as evidenced in declarations made throughout our COP26 Presidency.

Boilers: Manufacturing Industries

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposed market-based mechanism for low carbon heat on British boiler manufacturing jobs.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the 600,000 heat pump target by 2028 on jobs in the British boiler industry.

Graham Stuart: In order to meet net zero, the UK needs to move away from fossil fuels for heating. The Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy sets an ambition to phase out the installation of fossil fuel boilers by 2035. The Government will consult on proposals for hydrogen-ready boilers to pave the way for a potential transition to hydrogen for heating, developing a supply chain and associated jobs. Highly-efficient heat pumps are important to all strategic approaches to decarbonising heating. Growing heat pump deployment to 600,000 per year, which the Clean Heat Market Mechanism supports, is expected to support 30,000 jobs by 2028.

Question

Chris Elmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his objectives are for the remainder of the UK’s COP presidency.

Graham Stuart: The UK hands the COP Presidency to Egypt in a few days time, at COP27. To avoid and respond to the most catastrophic impacts of a changing climate, COP27 must build on commitments made at COP26.

Advanced Research and Invention Agency

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when the Advanced Research and Invention Agency will be fully operational.

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress he has made on the appointment of a CEO for the Advanced Research and Invention Agency.

George Freeman: Dr Ilan Gur and Matt Clifford MBE took up post as Advanced Research and Invention Agency’s (ARIA) founding Chief Executive Officer and Chair on 15 August 2022. Under their leadership, recruitment of ARIA Board members and management roles is currently underway. The Department expects ARIA to become legally established and fully operational in early 2023.

Energy: Meters

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps with energy companies to remove any additional costs of energy for people who depend on an energy prepayment meter.

Graham Stuart: Supply licence conditions, enforced by Ofgem, state that differences in price between payment methods for energy must reflect the cost to the supplier of that payment method. The costs of managing prepayment meters are higher than those for standard meters due to the different metering requirements and payment systems.

Energy: Meters

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking steps with energy companies to reduce the number of energy pre-payment meters used in households in the UK.

Graham Stuart: When installing a prepayment meter, suppliers have to consider whether this is safe and practicable, including whether a prepayment meter is appropriate for the specific customer. Ofgem rules restrict the force fitting of a prepayment meter to repay debt, guidance says this should only be done as a last resort.

Energy Bills Rebate: Park Homes

Ms Marie Rimmer: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that those living on Caravan and Mobile Home parks are included within the Energy Bill Support Scheme where their electricity bills are paid directly to their landlord.

Graham Stuart: As announced on 29 July, the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) Alternative Funding will be available to provide equivalent support of £400 for energy bills for the households who will not be reached through the EBSS. This includes those who do not have a domestic electricity meter or a direct relationship with an energy supplier, such as park home residents. The Government is working quickly with a range of organisations, such as local authorities, as well as Devolved Administrations and across UK Government, to finalise the details of the Alternative Funding and have the process up and running for applications this winter.

Small Businesses: Energy

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many small businesses in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency have received Government support with the cost of energy.

Graham Stuart: All small business in Lancaster and Fleetwood, as with every other part of Great Britain, can receive support on their energy bills through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, if they meet the eligibility criteria. The scheme will initially run for six months and will cover energy consumption from the 1 October. Suppliers will automatically apply reductions to the bills of all eligible non-domestic customers, with bills covering October usage generally issued in November.

Critical Minerals Expert Committee

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress was reported at the most recent Critical Minerals Expert Committee.

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when the Critical Minerals Strategy will be published.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Critical Minerals Strategy was published on 22 July 2022 and sets out plans to accelerate the UK’s domestic capabilities, collaborate with international partners and enhance international financial and trading markets. The Critical Minerals Expert Committee provides high quality, independent advice to the Government on critical minerals. At the most recent Committee meeting on 10 October, members reflected on the publication of the Strategy, and articulated which measures should be prioritised in the Delivery Plan which we are expecting to publish by the end of the year.

UN Climate Conference 2021

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the President of COP26 on the progress of COP26 commitments.

Graham Stuart: The Minister meets regularly with the COP President, including through the Climate Action Implementation Committee, to discuss progress on implementing the historic Glasgow Climate Pact agreed at COP26. COP27 must now build on these commitments made at COP26, with Glasgow and Paris as the baseline of our ambition. The UK will continue driving the delivery of Glasgow commitments at the upcoming COP27 and beyond.

Tidal Power

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential obstacles to increasing the production of tidal energy.

Graham Stuart: The Government is planning to publish revised guidance on tidal energy in the energy National Policy Statement to bring greater clarity for developers and remove any potential obstacles to deployment. The Government is also exploring options for increasing the production of tidal energy including innovative funding mechanisms.

Tidal Power

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy to include tidal energy as a means to meet the net zero target by 2050.

Graham Stuart: The Government is planning to publish revised guidance on tidal energy in the energy National Policy Statement on the important role this technology can play in meeting the net zero target and how its impacts can be mitigated.

Private Rented Housing: Energy

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when his Department plans to publish its response to the consultation on Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes, which closed on 8 December 2020.

Graham Stuart: The consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes closed on 8th January 2021. The Government has carefully analysed the responses received and is considering how best to ensure the cost relating to energy efficiency improvement are fair and proportionate to landlords and tenants. The Government will publish a response in due course.

Fuel Oil: Prices

Duncan Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2022 to Question 59831 on Fuel Oil: Prices, what mechanism will be used to provide the additional payment of £100; whether this will be paid as (a) a lump sum or (b) in instalments; what his planned timetable is for making the payment; whether his Department has up to date records of whether households are (i) on the gas grid and (ii) use gas and electricity companies; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure these eligible households will receive this support.

Graham Stuart: Households in Britain eligible for these payments will receive £100 as a credit on their electricity bill this winter. Households that are eligible for, but who do not receive, the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) or the £100 heat network payment, will receive the £100 via the AFP Alternative Fund, which will be provided by a designated body. The Government will confirm details shortly. The Government is working with suppliers and stakeholders to establish how to identify households that are eligible for a payment. If for any reason people are not able to receive the payment automatically, an alternative approach will be established.

Heat Pumps: Lewisham East

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the number of (a) air source and (b) ground source heat pumps installed in households in Lewisham East constituency in each year since 2018.

Graham Stuart: The Microgeneration Certification Scheme Installations Database shows that between 01 January 2018 and 31 October 2022, eight air source heat pump and no ground source heat pump installations were registered in the Lewisham East constituency. The database does not include all heat pump installations. Those installed without Government funding support, such as in new buildings, are not typically recorded in the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Installations Database.

Labour Market

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which minister in his Department has responsibility for labour market policy.

Kevin Hollinrake: I am the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for labour market policy.

Electric Cables: Seas and Oceans

James Cartlidge: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 6 September 2022 to Question 40864 on National Grid: Scotland and to Answer of 6 June 2022 to Question 6661 on Electric Cables: Seas and Oceans, for what reason the Government was able to provide the financial cost of the proposed Sealink 1 undersea electrical cable from Sizewell to Kent but not in a position to provide a cost of delivering the Eastern High Voltage Direct Current Link scheme; and if he will make a statement.

James Cartlidge: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Answer of 22 March 2021 to Question 167922 on Electric Cables: Seas and Oceans, if he will make an estimate of the lifetime cost of the Eastern High Voltage Direct Current Link scheme.

James Cartlidge: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 6 September 2022 to Question 40864 on National Grid: Scotland, if he will make an estimate of the cost of delivering the Eastern High Voltage Direct Current Link scheme via overland pylons.

Graham Stuart: The Eastern High Voltage Direct Current Link scheme is a joint project between the three private electricity transmission network companies in Great Britain. Eastern Links 1 and 2 have received Final Needs Case approvals from Ofgem based on estimated combined capital costs (not lifetime costs) of £3.4bn. The Electricity System Operator’s Holistic Network Design, a blueprint for offshore and onshore transmission projects required to support Government’s ambition for 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, confirmed the need for the Eastern Links 1 and 2. The Holistic Network Design is estimated to save consumers £5.5bn over the network asset lifetime.

Nuclear Power: Job Creation

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, published on 18 November 2020, how many jobs have been created in nuclear power since the publication of the plan.

Graham Stuart: Since the publication of the Ten Point Plan, this Government has been in constructive negotiations on the Sizewell C project which is likely to support 10,000 jobs at peak construction. In addition, the British Energy Security Strategy announced an aim for up to 24GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, which will create highly skilled jobs at a local, regional, and national level.

Wind Power: Seas and Oceans

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, published on 18 November 2020, how many jobs have been created in offshore wind since the publication of the plan.

Graham Stuart: The Office for National Statistics publish statistics on employment in the offshore wind sector. Their data, published in February 2022, shows 10,100 people are estimated to have been directly employed, and 14,200 indirectly employed, in the offshore wind sector in 2020, the latest year for which data is available: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/bulletins/finalestimates/2020.

Carbon Capture and Storage

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, published on 18 November 2020, what recent progress has his Department made on finalising the new carbon capture, usage and storage business models since the publication of the plan.

Graham Stuart: In January, the Government published updates on the Transport and Storage business model with a further update due by the end of the year. In April 2022, draft form contracts were published for both power and Industrial Carbon Capture business models. Government is working to develop adaptations to the industrial business model for waste management CCS projects. The Government expects to publish a response to the Power Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage business model consultation in the new year.

Carbon Capture and Storage: Job Creation

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the policy paper entitled The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, published on 18 November 2020, how many jobs have been created in carbon capture, usage and storage since the publication of the plan.

Graham Stuart: The Government does not hold data on all jobs which have been created in carbon capture, usage and storage since the publication of the plan. The Government estimates the carbon capture industry could support up to 50,000 jobs in the UK in 2030.

Housing: Insulation

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the answer of Answer of 20 October 2022 to Question 64063 on Housing: Insulation, what recent steps his Department has taken to help increase the level of cavity wall insulation in homes.

Graham Stuart: BEIS is continuing to provide Cavity Wall Insulation as a measure through the Sustainable Warmth scheme, the Energy Company Obligation scheme, the Home Upgrade Grant scheme and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to low income and vulnerable households, and households which have the poorest Energy Performance Certification rating.

Audit: Reform

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his planned timetable is for the publication of the draft Audit Reform Bill; and whether he plans to consult with stakeholders on the content of an early draft of the Bill.

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to bring forward legislative proposals to make (a) resilience statements and (b) audit and assurance policies a new statutory requirement for public interest entities.

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will bring forward legislative proposals on audit reform.

Kevin Hollinrake: The Government set out its plans for audit and corporate governance reform in the 31 May 2022 Government Response to the White Paper, ‘Restoring Trust in Audit and Corporate Governance’, following a sixteen-week consultation. The Response stated that the reforms will be delivered through primary and secondary legislation and through the UK Corporate Governance Code, as well as market-driven reforms, and that companies which are large public interest entities will be required to publish resilience statements and audit and assurance policy statements. Draft legislation is being developed for publication in due course.

Housing: Energy

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing investment for the retrofitting of 19 million homes to (a) increase energy efficiency, (b) lower costs for households and (c) increase our energy security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Graham Stuart: Improving the energy efficiency of UK homes is the best way to lower household bills and help the Government's ambition to achieve energy independence by 2040. Retrofitting homes is a key driver of economic growth, currently supporting around 175,000 full-time jobs. The Government is investing £12 billion in Help to Heat schemes to make people’s homes warmer, which can save households £300 - £700 on their bills. These schemes are making a substantial impact, with 46% of homes in England having reached the Government’s 2035 target of achieving EPC Level C, up from 14% in 2010.

Science: Manufacturing Industries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps his Department has taken to help increase investment in the science manufacturing sector.

George Freeman: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) supports businesses to innovate and grow. For example, through the Made Smarter Innovation Challenge which helps manufacturers capitalise on new digital technologies. The Catapult Network receives some funding through Innovate UK, part of UKRI, and over half of the £1.2 billion funding for 2018/2023 is allocated to the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult which supports industry to develop new manufacturing technologies. The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, announced in March 2022, will provide £60 million in capital grants for investment in the manufacture of human medicines, medical diagnostics and MedTech products, building on its predecessor, the Medicines & Diagnostics Manufacturing Transformation Fund

Natural Gas: Prices

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of allowing shale gas extraction on the price that UK consumers pay for gas.

Graham Stuart: The Government has confirmed that it is adopting a presumption against issuing any further hydraulic fracturing consents. This position, an effective moratorium, will be maintained until compelling new evidence is provided which addresses concerns around the prediction and management of induced seismicity. The Government is taking other measures to build energy security and affordability.

Fracking

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the time that would be taken for shale gas extraction to have a significant impact on the level of energy supply; and what recent assessment he has made of the role that can be played by shale gas extraction in supporting the UK's energy needs.

Graham Stuart: The Government has confirmed that it is adopting a presumption against issuing any further hydraulic fracturing consents. This position, an effective moratorium, will be maintained until compelling new evidence is provided which addresses concerns around the prediction and management of induced seismicity. The Government is taking other measures to build energy security and affordability.

Electricity Generation

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the likelihood of deliberate power cuts over the next six months.

Graham Stuart: The UK has a secure and diverse energy system. The Government is confident in its plans to protect households and businesses in the full range of scenarios this winter. The Government is ensuring that the UK is prepared for all eventualities and continues to work closely with Ofgem, National Grid and other key industry organisations to monitor the energy supply horizon and prepare for the upcoming winter.

Attorney General

Vetting

Matt Vickers: To ask the Attorney General, what recent steps he has taken to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Disclosure.

Michael Tomlinson: In May, the Government published the review of disclosure and amended the Disclosure Guidelines to deliver improvements for police prosecutors, and victims of crime.The new guidelines feature an annex on data protection which will ease the burden on police, leaving them more time on the beat and investigating crime.Updated principles on accessing third party material have strengthened the protection of victim's personal information and mandate officers to have clear, written reasons in place before accessing any material such as therapy notes.

Crimes against Property: Demonstrations

Matt Vickers: To ask the Attorney General, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the Attorney General’s Reference on a Point of Law, No. 1 of 2022 (pursuant to section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1972).

Michael Tomlinson: On 28 September this year, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in the Colston statue case, after the then Attorney General asked the Court to clarify a point of law following the acquittal of those who pulled down the statue on 07 June 2020.The Attorney General welcomes the Court's judgement and is pleased that the law has been clarified. The proper scope of certain defences to criminal damage arising from protests is now clear. While the acquittals in question were not the subject of the challenge, it has now made clear that in future, defendants will not be able to rely on this particular defence in the same way.

Department of Health and Social Care

Health: Chesterfield

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her Department has taken to help tackle health inequality in Chesterfield constituency.

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her Department has taken to help tackle health inequality in Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her Department has taken to help tackle health inequality in Warrington North constituency.

Kim Leadbeater: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her Department has taken to help tackle health inequality in Batley and Spen constituency.

Neil O'Brien: ‘Our plan for patients’, published on 22 September, sets out the immediate priorities to support individuals to live healthier lives, including improving access to health and care services in all areas and preventing ill-health. Further information on measures to address health disparities will be available in due course.The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities works with local system partners in Lancaster and Fleetwood, Batley and Spen, Warrington North, and Chesterfield to provide evidence and intelligence.

Mental Health Services: Tooting

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Tooting constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in South West London, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including in South West London, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme: Coronavirus

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many full time equivalent medical assessors are employed in evaluating claims under the Vaccine Damage Payments Scheme in respect of adverse reactions from Covid-19 vaccines; and what the average time taken for each evaluation is.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Medical Equipment: Auctions

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding his Department has allocated to pay Ramco UK Ltd. in the 2022-23 financial year to run online auctions of surplus equipment and supplies purchased by his Department in response to the outbreak of covid-19; and how much his Department has recovered from the proceeds of those auctions in the 2022-23 financial year.

Will Quince: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes and Hospitals: Visits

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the debate on Contact in Care Settings on 27 October 2022 col 494, when he expects the work commissioned on steps to guarantee the right to maintain contact in care settings to conclude.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Maternity Services: Vacancies

Helen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will implement the recommendations from the Safe Staffing: The impact of staffing shortages in maternity and neonatal care: Report of the Baby Loss and Maternity All Party Parliamentary Groups.

Will Quince: We are currently considering the recommendations made in the report. In 2022, NHS England has invested £127 million in the National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts.National Health Service trusts can utilise Birthrateplus, a workforce planning calculation which determines the required total midwifery workforce establishment for all hospital and community services. In addition to the Acuity App, this supports the provision of safe and effective care which is responsive to changes in acuity and workforce. NHS England has established a nursing and midwifery retention programme, supporting organisations to undertake an assessment against interventions aligned to the People Promise and to use the outcome to develop high quality retention improvement plans locally.Training programmes for healthcare professionals must meet the standards set by the regulatory body for the profession. Health Education England (HEE) is working with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and other partners to support the implementation of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Future Midwife Standards. HEE is also working with stakeholders towards a targeted increase of 3,650 midwifery student places by the end of 2022/23, with training leading to professional regulation.

Dementia: Health Services

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to publish a regional breakdown of the spending allocation for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Evusheld

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to meet with patient groups, charities and clinicians representing the #Forgotten500k campaign.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will place in the Library the results of all clinical trials carried out in the UK on the covid-19 booster vaccines currently being used by the NHS in England.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

HIV Infection: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with HIV in Ilford North in each of the last 5 five years.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Malnutrition: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of malnutrition in Ilford North.

Neil O'Brien: No specific assessment has been made.

Malnutrition: Bradford East

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of malnutrition in Bradford East constituency.

Neil O'Brien: No specific assessment has been made.

Health: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps his Department has taken to help tackle health inequality in Ilford North.

Neil O'Brien: ‘Our plan for patients’, published on 22 September, sets out the immediate priorities to support individuals to live healthier lives, including improving access to health and care services in all areas and preventing ill-health. Further information on measures to address health disparities will be available in due course.The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities works with local system partners in Ilford North to support programmes to reduce health inequalities, including providing evidence and intelligence.

Dental Services: Bradford East

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children under the age of (a) four and (b) 11 were admitted to hospital for tooth extraction due to decay in Bradford East constituency in each of the last five years.

Neil O'Brien: This information is not held in the format requested.

Evusheld

Sir Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department plans to review its current policy on the use of Evusheld in the NHS in winter 2022-23.

Will Quince: There are no current plans for any further review of the decision not to procure Evusheld. The decision is based on a range of evidence, including clinical trial data, in vitro analysis and emerging observational studies. The Chief Medical Officer for England is content that the correct process for providing clinical advice has been followed and it is right that it has now been referred to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for further evaluation. At present, RAPID C-19 will continue to keep Evusheld under active review and will notify DHSC of any significant developments.

HIV Infection: Bradford East

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with HIV in Bradford East constituency in each of the last five years.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with HIV in Edmonton constituency in each of the last 5 five years.

Neil O'Brien: The information is not collected in the format requested.

Dental Services: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children under the age of (a) four and (b) 11 were admitted to hospital for tooth extraction due to decay in Ilford North in each of the last five years.

Neil O'Brien: This information is not held in the format requested.

Mental Health Services: Wirral South

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Wirral South constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in Cheshire and Merseyside, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including in Cheshire and Merseyside, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Parkinson's Disease: Health Services

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the impact of regional differences in access to multidisciplinary support on Parkinson's care.

Helen Whately: No specific assessment has been made.

Sleep

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has had discussions with US health counterparts on the research and treatment of sighted non 24 disorder.

Helen Whately: There have been no specific discussions.

Gender Recognition: Children and Young People

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the finding in the interim review of the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, published in February 2022, that there is limited capacity and/or capability to respond appropriately to the needs of children and young people being referred to GIDS in primary and secondary care, whether he is taking steps to reduce waiting times for gender clinic assessments.

Maria Caulfield: NHS England (NHSE) would acknowledge that existing services have been unable to meet the scale of rising demand and is working to improve the provision of gender identity services for children and young people. In July 2022 Dr Cass provided further advice on the core components of a new clinical model referenced in her interim report on gender identity services for children and young people. NHS England is taking immediate steps to establish two new Phase 1 services, one based in London and one in the North West. Consistent with Dr Cass’ advice, these services will be led by specialist children’s hospitals.A consultation on the interim service specification for these services was published by NHSE on 20th October 2022 and the services should be fully operational by Spring 2023. The establishment of Phase 1 services represents the first step in commissioning a national network of regional services.

Mental Health: Patients

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Plan for Patients will take on mental health.

Maria Caulfield: ‘Our plan for patients’ supplements the NHS Long Term Plan and the NHS Mental Health Implementation Plan, which provides a framework to deliver the Long Term Plan commitments for mental health.Through ‘Our plan for patients’ we will continue to increase the availability of mental health services, including access to National Health Service talking therapies, children and young people’s mental health services and enhanced community support for adults living with severe mental illnesses and provision in schools.

Mental Health Services: Mothers

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to specialist perinatal and maternal mental health services.

Maria Caulfield: We are taking action to improve access to the the support available in the perinatal period, including by expanding perinatal mental health services around England to include new mental health “hubs” for new, expectant or bereaved mothers. This expansion includes 33 new Maternal Mental Health Services, which bring together psychological therapy, maternity services and reproductive health for women who have mental health needs following trauma or loss related to their maternity experience. These will be available across the whole of England by March 2024.

Mental Health Services: Ellesmere Port and Neston

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Ellesmere Port and Neston constituency.

Maria Caulfield: In September we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will increase access to National Health Service mental health and eating disorder services, including in Ellesmere Port and Neston. Through the NHS Long Term Plan, we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand NHS mental health and eating disorder services for adults, children and young people in England, including in Ellesmere Port and Neston.We will invest approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness. including eating disorders, by 2023/24 and an additional £53 million per year in children and young people's community eating disorder services to increase capacity in the 70 community eating disorder teams.

Brain: Diseases

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will ask mental health trusts to ensure that their eligibility criteria include patients with organic brain disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, to help those people access mental health support services where mental health is the presenting symptom.

Maria Caulfield: Access to mental health services is based on clinical need, including for people with organic brain disorders such as Huntington’s disease. The NHS Long Term Plan commits an additional £2.3 billion a year to expand mental health services in England by 2023/24. This includes increasing access to National Health Service talking therapies through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) to ensure that 1.9 million adults, including those with Huntington’s disease, can receive support for conditions such as anxiety and depression.The NHS is developing the IAPT services include a focus on people with long term conditions. The IAPT - long term conditions services have been established to support integrated pathways between IAPT services and physical health for people with long term conditions, including neurological conditions. All integrated care systems are expected to commission IAPT services integrated into physical healthcare pathways as part of IAPT expansion plans locally.

Mental Health Services: Exeter

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Exeter constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in NHS Devon, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including in NHS Devon, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Mental Health Services: Bradford South

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Bradford South constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in West Yorkshire, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including in West Yorkshire, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Mental Health Services: Warrington North

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Warrington North constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in Cheshire and Merseyside, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including in Cheshire and Merseyside, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Midwives: Walsall South

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of midwives in Walsall South constituency.

Maria Caulfield: NHS England retains oversight of local workforce plans and is updated on vacancy rates. However, recruitment and retention is undertaken at trust level.In 2022, an additional £127 million has been invested in the National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care, including in Walsall South. This is in addition to the £95 million invested in 2021 to fund a further 1,200 midwives and 100 consultant obstetricians. The NHS People Plan focuses on improving the retention of NHS staff by prioritising staff health and wellbeing. In 2022/23, £45 million has been allocated to support the continuation of 40 mental health hubs, the Professional Nurse Advocates programme and expanding the NHS Practitioner Health service.

Mental Health Services: Slough

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Slough constituency.

Maria Caulfield: In September we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will increase access to National Health Service mental health and eating disorder services, including in Slough. Ensuring easier access to general practice will expand this route to access mental health services. Through the NHS Long Term Plan, we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand NHS mental health and eating disorder services for adults, children and young people in England, including in Slough. We will invest approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness. including eating disorders, by 2023/24 and an additional £53 million per year in children and young people's community eating disorder services to increase capacity in the 70 community eating disorder teams.

Infant Mortality: Greater London

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) perinatal and (b) neonatal deaths there were at Barts Health NHS Trust by (i) each borough served by that Trust, (ii) ethnicity and (iii) socio-economic group in the latest period for which data is available.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Perinatal Mortality: Garston and Halewood

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Garston and Halewood constituency.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Surgical Mesh Implants

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average waiting time was for an appointment at a specialist mesh centre in the latest period for which data is available.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average waiting time was between first consultation and end of care for patients requiring further treatment as a result of mesh implants in the latest period for which data is available.

Maria Caulfield: The information requested is not held centrally.

Perinatal Mortality: Walsall South

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Walsall South constituency.

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Ealing North constituency.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Perinatal Mortality: Wirral West

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Wirral West constituency.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Perinatal Mortality: Sunderland Central

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Sunderland Central constituency.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%. We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Mental Health Services: Finance

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it remains Government policy to invest £2.3 billion a year into mental health services under the NHS Long Term Plan.

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the NHS Long Term Plan, published on 7 January 2019, how the additional £2.3 billion of funding for mental health services has been spent.

Maria Caulfield: We remain committed to investing in expanding National Health Service mental health services in England, as set out in the NHS Long Term Plan. The Plan sets out a minimum of £2.3 billion growth a year by 2023/24, which we are on schedule to deliver.

Health Services: Females

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Women’s Health Strategy for England, published August 2022, what steps her Department is taking to encourage the expansion of women’s health hubs; and if she will make a statement.

Maria Caulfield: The Strategy encourages local commissioners and providers to consider adopting these models of care. We have commissioned the National Institute for Health and Care Research-funded Birmingham, RAND Europe and Cambridge Rapid Evaluation Centre to undertake scoping work for an evaluation of existing women’s health hubs. This is expected to conclude in early 2023.

Rehabilitation: Medical Equipment

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many anti-gravity treadmills have been purchased by the NHS in England in each of the last five years; and what cost benefit analysis has been carried out of their use.

Helen Whately: The information requested is not held centrally. Anti-gravity treadmills have not been supplied by NHS Supply Chain in the last three years.

Antidepressants: Pregnancy

Feryal Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will take steps with medical professionals to make an assessment on the safety of mirtazapine for use during the perinatal period.

Maria Caulfield: There are no current plans to make an assessment. Information on the safety of mirtazapine during pregnancy and while breast feeding is provided in the product information supplied with each pack of medicine.

Health Services: Females

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make it her policy to support the appointment of a women’s reproductive health lead on each integrated care board to help ensure women’s health needs are prioritised, in the context of the Women’s Health Strategy for England, published August 2022.

Maria Caulfield: Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning services to meet the health needs of the local population, including whether a women’s reproductive health lead is appointed. We encourage integrated care systems to take into account the ambitions and actions in the Strategy when developing local plans.

Perinatal Mortality: Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough constituency.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Streatham.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in the National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Cystic Fibrosis: Clinical Psychologists and Social Workers

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an estimate of the average number of (a) whole time equivalent social workers and (b) whole time equivalent clinical psychologists per 75 cystic fibrosis patients in (i) paediatric and (ii) adult cystic fibrosis services in England in each year since 2015.

Helen Whately: The information requested is not held centrally.

Breast Cancer

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2022 to Question 36760, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of collecting data on (a) the number of women in England that have been diagnosed with and are living with triple negative breast cancer and (b) the (i) age and (ii) ethnicity of those women.

Helen Whately: There are no plans to make a specific assessment.

Social Services: Private Sector

Paula Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of private sector provision of adult social care services on the (a) quality of care outcomes and (b) ability to recruit and retain staff in England and Wales.

Helen Whately: No specific assessment has been made. Local authorities are responsible for the commissioning of care and support services to meet the needs of the local populations. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to shape local markets to ensure a range of high quality, sustainable, person-centred care and support services are provided.

Mental Health Services: Leeds North West

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Leeds North West constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in West Yorkshire, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including in West Yorkshire, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Mental Health Services: City of Durham

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in the City of Durham constituency.

Maria Caulfield: In September we announced ‘Our Plan for Patients’, which outlines how we will increase access to National Health Service mental health and eating disorder services, including in the City of Durham. Ensuring easier access to general practice will expand this route to access mental health services.Through the NHS Long Term Plan, we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand these services for adults, children and young people in England, including in City of Durham.We will invest approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness, including eating disorders, by 2023/24 and an additional £53 million per year in children and young people's community eating disorder services to increase capacity in the 70 community eating disorder teams.

General Practitioners: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will take steps to increase the availability of face-to-face GP appointments in Edmonton constituency.

Neil O'Brien: On 22 September 2022, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which contains measures to assist people make an informed choice on their general practitioner (GP) practice, book an appointment more easily, benefit from more care options and increase the diversity of general practice teams. This aims to increase the availability of appointment types, such as face-to-face, in England, including in Edmonton. NHS England’s guidance states that GP practices must provide face to face appointments and remote consultations and should respect preferences for face-to-face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary.  While remote consultations can provide additional choice, flexibility and convenience for patients, this is not suitable for all patients or in all circumstances.

Mental Health Services: Lewisham East

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Lewisham East constituency.

Maria Caulfield: In September we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will increase access to National Health Service mental health and eating disorder services, including in Lewisham East. Through the NHS Long Term Plan, we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand NHS mental health and eating disorder services for adults, children and young people in England, including in Lewisham East.We will invest approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness. including eating disorders, by 2023/24 and an additional £53 million per year in children and young people's community eating disorder services to increase capacity in the 70 community eating disorder teams.

Mental Health Services: Children

Dame Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made on the number of children on wait lists for treatment at CAHMS.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made as a national access and waiting times standard for child and adolescent mental health services has not yet been defined. NHS England consulted on the definition and introduction of five proposed waiting time standards, including for children, young people and their families/carers, presenting to community-based mental health services to receive care within four weeks of referral. This may involve immediate advice, support or a brief intervention, help to access another service, commencing a longer-term intervention or agreement about a patient care plan or a specialist assessment. We are working with NHS England on the next steps following the conclusion of the consultation.

Mental Health Services

Kim Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if is her policy to continue the development of the 10 year mental health plan on which the Government consulted in April 2022.

Maria Caulfield: In response to the mental health and wellbeing call for evidence earlier this year, we received 5,273 submissions from a range of stakeholders in England. We are currently considering these responses and further information will be available in due course.

Health: Females

Feryal Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when her Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser will lead a roundtable with researchers to explore the best ways to tackle the under-representation of women in health research as set out in the Women’s Health Strategy 2022.

Maria Caulfield: A meeting chaired by the Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser is scheduled to take place in December 2022.

Health Services: Northern Ireland

Claire Hanna: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what engagement her Department has had with counterparts in Northern Ireland regarding the planned Women’s Health Strategy, including on miscarriage and neonatal deaths.

Maria Caulfield: Officials in the Department engage with counterparts in the devolved administrations on a range of issues, including the Women’s Health Strategy.

Gambling: Public Health

Kim Leadbeater: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on public health of the delayed publication of the Gambling white Paper.

Neil O'Brien: No specific assessment has been made.

Mental Health Services: Schools

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an estimate of the average waiting time in each region between a CAMHS referral by a school and (a) response to the referral and (b) first appointment.

Maria Caulfield: We have no plans to make a specific estimate, as a national access and waiting times standard for child and adolescent mental health services has not yet been defined. NHS England has consulted on the definition for and introduction of a range of waiting time standards, including children, young people and their families or carers presenting to community-based mental health services should commence care within four weeks from referral. This may involve immediate advice, support or a brief intervention, access to another more appropriate service, a longer-term intervention or agreement on a patient care plan or a specialist assessment. In February 2022, NHS England published the outcome of its consultation and further information on next steps will be available in due course.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the average waiting time for children and adolescent mental health services in (a) Coventry, (b) the West Midlands and (c) England; and what steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting lists for those services in those areas.

Maria Caulfield: No estimate has been made as there is no universal waiting time standard across all children and young people’s mental health services. Waiting times data are available for services where a waiting time standard is in place. These include access to early intervention in psychosis and children and young people’s eating disorders, which is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-mental-health-dashboard/ In February 2022, NHS England published the outcome of its consultation on the potential to introduce five new access and waiting time standards for mental health services. This includes for children, young people and their families or carers presenting to community-based mental health services to receive care within four weeks from referral. We are working with NHS England on on the next steps following this consultation. In addition, the NHS Long Term Plan commits to increasing investment into mental health services by at least £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to enable an additional 345,000 children and young people to receive National Health Service-funded mental health support. This includes eight mental health support teams either in place or planned for primary, secondary and further education settings in the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care System.

Mental Health Services: Young People

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the availability of mental health services for young people in (a) Coventry North East constituency, (b) Coventry, (c) the West Midlands and (d) England.

Maria Caulfield: No formal assessment has been made. However, we monitor access to services for children and young people under 18 years old accessing support from National Health Service-funded community services through the NHS mental health dashboard at a national, regional and integrated care system level.

Mental Health Services: Slough

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Slough constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in Slough, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024. NHS England continues to support local systems, including in Slough, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

General Practitioners

Mr Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve access to GP services.

Neil O'Brien: On 22 September 2022, we announced “Our Plan for Patients,” which we estimate will help general practices deliver over a million more appointments this winter, and we set the expectation that patients who need an appointment within two weeks can get one, with urgent cases being seen on the same day.This plan committed to publishing practice-level appointment data, to help people make an informed choice about which practice is best for them and set out measures to help patients book appointments more easily and benefit from more options when they need care, for example, from a community pharmacy.We recognise that some patients have struggled to contact their practice by telephone. To help practices manage demand on their phone systems, NHS England has already offered a short-term telephony solution to all GP practices, which can free up existing telephone lines for incoming calls and help practices match capacity to demand. From December, NHS England will accelerate the delivery of a framework to support all practices to secure cloud-based telephony systems.We will also free also up funding rules to bolster general practice teams with other professionals who can help them, such as GP assistants and advanced practitioners.

Pregnancy Tests

Ed Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made the potential merits of providing redress for victims of Hormone Pregnancy Tests.

Maria Caulfield: The Government’s response to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety review did not accept the recommendation relating to redress for the three interventions addressed, including hormone pregnancy tests.We are prioritising improvements in the safety of medicines and medical devices and high standards for industry to market and manufacture products to reduce harm in the future.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether people aged under 50 will be offered a covid-19 autumn booster.

Neil O'Brien: The Government continues to be guided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on who should be offered COVID-19 vaccinations. On 15 July 2022, the Government accepted the JCVI’s advice that the primary aim of the COVID-19 booster vaccine programme this autumn should be to augment immunity in those who are at higher risk from COVID-19 and thereby optimise protection against severe COVID-19, specifically hospitalisation and death, over winter 2022 to 2023. This includes all adults aged 50 years and over and individuals aged five to 49 in a clinical risk group. The clinical risk groups for COVID-19 vaccination are defined in the UK Health Security Agency’s ‘Green Book’ on vaccines and immunisation.

Hospitals: Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the NHS last produced an audit of the air particulates and pollutants faced by NHS patients, workers and visitors in and around NHS hospitals.

Neil O'Brien: The information requested is not collected centrally by NHS England. As set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, the NHS is committed to reducing its fleet air pollutant emissions by 20% by 2023/24.

Monkeypox: Disease Control

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department and the UK Health Security Agency are taking to help ensure that people at risk of exposure to monkeypox but not currently eligible for vaccination will be protected against the virus once the current vaccine rollout has concluded.

Neil O'Brien: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) current vaccination strategy is to target monkeypox vaccination for three groups: a) healthcare workers who are caring for and who are due to start caring for a patient with confirmed monkeypox, b) gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) at higher risk of exposure and c) people who have already had close contact with a patient with confirmed monkeypox.UKHSA expert advice, endorsed by Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), is to offer two vaccine doses to the eligible cohort across the United Kingdom. UKHSA will continue to review the ongoing outbreak and issue updated advice on how to protect those at risk from monkeypox as required.UKHSA has worked closely with stakeholder groups, including the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV and other charities to raise awareness through targeted communication channels amongst the GBMSM population of the epidemiology, risks and actions to protect themselves and others, alongside encouraging those within the eligible cohort to get vaccinated.

Occupational Health

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what additional steps she is taking to ensure that occupational health schemes are involved in delivering public health strategies in localities.

Neil O'Brien: The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Regional Teams work with local authorities in encouraging employers to access quality, cost effective occupational health help services. Integrated Care Partnerships and Health and Wellbeing Boards play an important role in joining up planning and provision of services, both within the NHS and with local authorities, including engaging the full range of partners in an area.We are taking forward a number of policy proposals, including testing a financial incentive for Small-Medium Enterprises and self-employed, to increase access to occupational health services, whilst ensuring the market has the capacity to provide these services by supporting development of a sustainable workforce and stimulating innovation in the market.

General Practitioners: Luton South

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of GPs in Luton South constituency.

Neil O'Brien: We are working with NHS England, Health Education England and the profession to increase the general practice workforce in England, including in Luton South. This includes measures to improve recruitment, address the reasons why doctors leave the profession and encourage them to return to practice.The updated GP Contract Framework announced a number of new schemes, alongside continued support for existing recruitment and retention schemes for the general practice workforce. This includes the GP Retention Scheme, the GP Retention Fund, the National GP Induction and Refresher, the Locum Support Scheme, the New to Partnership Payment and the Supporting Mentors Scheme.

Life Expectancy: Luton South

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in the level of life expectancy in Luton South constituency.

Neil O'Brien: No specific assessment has been made. The Department continues to review how health disparities can be addressed and further information will be available in due course.

General Practitioners: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of GP surgeries were rated as good by the Care Quality Commission in Edmonton as of 11 October 2022 constituency.

Neil O'Brien: There are 15 (88.2%) GP practices currently rated by CQC as Good overall in Edmonton Parliamentary Constituency.

School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps her Department has taken to review the current policy and delivery method of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

Neil O'Brien: The Department continually monitors the policy and delivery of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

Diabetes: Ilford North

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with diabetes in Ilford North in each of the last five years.

Helen Whately: The following table shows the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Ilford North constituency in each year from 2016 to 2020, by diabetes type.Year of diagnosisType 1Type 2 and other201620500201710465201815555201910480202015380 Source: National Diabetes AuditNotes:A person may have more than one diabetes diagnosis within the National Diabetes Audit. In this case, an algorithm is used to derive the best diagnosis date and diabetes type for each person. This is used in the analysis above.Disclosure control has been applied to all figures, as per the National Diabetes Audit publication – all numbers are rounded to the nearest 5, unless the number is 1 to 7, in which case it is rounded to ‘5’.Diabetes type is reported as ‘type 1’ and ‘type 2 and other’ within the National Diabetes Audit. ‘Type 1’ includes where a person is recorded as having type 1 diabetes in the National Diabetes Audit. ‘Type 2 and other’ includes where a person is recorded as having type 2 diabetes, Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young, other or non-specified diabetes in the National Diabetes Audit.

Social Services: Bury South

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of social care capacity in Bury South constituency.

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of social care capacity in Luton South constituency.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of social care capacity in Edmonton constituency.

Helen Whately: No specific assessment has been made. Local authorities have a responsibility under the Care Act 2014 to ensure that the care needs of the local population are met.

Perinatal Mortality: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Edmonton constituency.

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of recent trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Slough constituency.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

General Practitioners: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of GPs in Edmonton constituency.

Neil O'Brien: We are working with NHS England, Health Education England and the profession to increase the general practice workforce in England, including in Edmonton. This includes measures to improve recruitment, address the reasons why doctors leave the profession and encourage them to return to practice.The updated GP Contract Framework announced a number of new schemes, alongside continued support for existing recruitment and retention schemes for the general practice workforce. This includes the GP Retention Scheme, the GP Retention Fund, the National GP Induction and Refresher, the Locum Support Scheme, the New to Partnership Payment and the Supporting Mentors Scheme.

Health Services: Females

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the funding required to progress the Women’s Health Strategy; and if her Department has had discussions with the Treasury on funding the Strategy.

Maria Caulfield: The commitments made in the Women’s Health Strategy for England are deliverable within existing resources. There have been no specific discussions.

General Practitioners: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has provided additional (a) financial and (b) other support to help tackle (i) patient backlogs and (ii) increased workloads in GP surgeries in Edmonton constituency.

Neil O'Brien: The ‘Delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care’, published in February 2022, stated the ambition to reduce patient backlogs for planned National Health Service treatments and the Government plans to spend more than £8 billion from 2022/23 to 2024/25. We made £520 million available to expand general practice capacity during the pandemic. This was in addition to at least £1.5 billion announced in 2020 by 2024 which includes supporting increased workloads in general practitioner (GP) surgeries, including in Edmonton. In September 2022, ‘Our plan for patients’ announced measures to support GP practices increase access and manage workloads, such as the provision of 31,000 phone lines and funding to expand the staff roles working in general practice, including in Edmonton.

Perinatal Mortality: Luton South

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Luton South constituency.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Mental Health Services: Energy

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for inpatient mental health services of the National Grid's announcement of 6 October 2022 that the UK may experience power cuts lasting three hours per day during winter 2022; and whether her Department is taking steps to help inpatient mental health services prepare.

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for community mental health services of the National Grid's announcement of 6 October 2022 that the UK may experience power cuts lasting three hours per day during winter 2022; and whether her Department is taking steps to help community mental health services prepare.

Maria Caulfield: The Department works with NHS England to plan for scenarios which could pose a risk to health and care services, including the risk of disruption to power supplies. All service providers’ business continuity plans seek to ensure that critical services, such as mental health services, can continue to be delivered to patients in all settings with minimal disruption. The National Health Service is working with the Department on planning for winter 2022/23 and to ensure organisations’ plans reflect current risks to operational delivery.We also work with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the National Grid to understand any risks to power supply.

Midwives: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of midwives in Edmonton constituency.

Will Quince: NHS England retains oversight of local workforce plans and is updated on vacancy rates. However, recruitment and retention is undertaken at trust level. In 2022, an additional £127 million has been invested in the National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care, including in Edmonton. This is in addition to the £95 million invested in 2021 to fund a further 1,200 midwives and 100 consultant obstetricians. The NHS People Plan focuses on improving the retention of NHS staff by prioritising staff health and wellbeing. In 2022/23, £45 million has been allocated to support the continuation of 40 mental health hubs, the Professional Nurse Advocates programme and expanding the NHS Practitioner Health service.

Eating Disorders: Newcastle upon Tyne

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Newcastle.

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Newcastle.

Maria Caulfield: In September we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will increase access to National Health Service mental health and eating disorder services, including in Newcastle. Through the NHS Long Term Plan, we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand NHS mental health and eating disorder services for adults, children and young people in England, including in Newcastle.We will invest approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness. including eating disorders, by 2023/24 and an additional £53 million per year in children and young people's community eating disorder services to increase capacity in the 70 community eating disorder teams.

Diabetes: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were diagnosed with diabetes in Edmonton constituency in each of the last five years.

Helen Whately: The following table shows the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Edmonton constituency in each year from 2016 to 2020, by diabetes type.Year of diagnosisType 1Type 2 and other201615870201710670201810520201910710202015600 Source: National Diabetes AuditNotes:A person may have more than one diabetes diagnosis within the National Diabetes Audit. In this case, an algorithm is used to derive the best diagnosis date and diabetes type for each person..Disclosure control has been applied to all figures, as per the National Diabetes Audit publication – all numbers are rounded to the nearest 5, unless the number is 1 to 7, in which case it is rounded to ‘5’.Diabetes type is reported as ‘type 1’ and ‘type 2 and other’ within the National Diabetes Audit. ‘Type 1’ includes where a person is recorded as having type 1 diabetes in the National Diabetes Audit. ‘Type 2 and other’ includes where a person is recorded as having type 2 diabetes, Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young, other or non-specified diabetes in the National Diabetes Audit.

Mental Health Services: Police

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to encourage mental health services to work more closely with local police.

Maria Caulfield: We are encouraging closer working through NHS Liaison and Diversion Services, through the proposals of our draft Mental Health Bill, and through our call for evidence launched earlier this year. Liaison and Diversion services operate at police stations and criminal courts to identify and assess people with vulnerabilities (substance misuse, mental health problems) and refer them into appropriate services and, where appropriate, away from the justice system. As set out in NHS England’s Liaison and Diversion Standard Service Specification 2019, due to the multi-agency nature of these services it is essential that all contributing agencies, including health services and the police, are encouraged to proactively engage with the process, to ensure that the aims of the liaison and diversion service are met. Our draft Mental Health Bill proposes to remove police stations as a place of safety under the Mental Health Act, to help ensure that in future all people in a mental health crisis are taken to a clinical environment. The Government is working with police forces and NHS England to prepare the system for this change. In April we launched our public call for evidence for evidence on what can be done across government in the longer term to support mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. Through the call for evidence, we are considering the role of multi-agency working in improving crisis care, including the relationship between police forces and mental health services.

Mental Health Services: Streatham

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Streatham constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including South East London Integrated Care System, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including South East London Integrated Care System, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Eating Disorders: West Ham

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data her Department holds on the prevalence of eating disorders among residents of West Ham constituency by (a) gender, (b) ethnic group and (c) age.

Maria Caulfield: This information is not collected in the format requested.

Perinatal Mortality: Warrington North

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Warrington North constituency.

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Exeter constituency.

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in rates of perinatal mortality in Bradford South constituency.

Maria Caulfield: No specific assessment has been made. The Government’s national maternity safety ambition aims to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries in babies occurring during or soon after birth, by 2025. Since 2010, the rate of stillbirths has reduced by 19.3%, the rate of neonatal mortality for babies born over 24 weeks gestational age of viability has reduced by 36% and maternal mortality has reduced by 17%.We have introduced targeted interventions to accelerate progress, such as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle and the Brain Injury Reduction Programme. NHS England has also invested £127 million in National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care. This is in addition to the £95 million investment made in 2021 to fund the establishment of a further 1,200 midwifery and 100 consultant obstetrician posts. NHS England is offering funding and support to trusts to recruit an additional 300 to 500 overseas midwives in the next 12 months.

Care Homes: Luton South

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of care homes were rated as good by the Care Quality Commission in Luton South constituency as of 20 October 2022.

Helen Whately: As of 20 October, 16 care homes (66.7 per cent) were rated good overall by the Care Quality Commission in the Luton South constituency.

Midwives: Bradford South

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of midwives in Bradford South constituency.

Will Quince: NHS England retains oversight of local workforce plans and is updated on vacancy rates. However, recruitment and retention is undertaken at trust level.In 2022, an additional £127 million has been invested in the National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care, including in Bradford South. This is in addition to the £95 million invested in 2021 to fund a further 1,200 midwives and 100 consultant obstetricians. The NHS People Plan focuses on improving the retention of NHS staff by prioritising staff health and wellbeing. In 2022/23, £45 million has been allocated to support the continuation of 40 mental health hubs, the Professional Nurse Advocates programme and expanding the NHS Practitioner Health service.

Air Pollution: Ethnic Groups

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the impact of toxic air pollution on the health and wellbeing of people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds living in urban communities in England.

Neil O'Brien: The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP), an expert committee of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), published advice on the health evidence relevant to setting PM2.5 targets in 2021. It concluded that there is evidence to suggest that people from minority ethnic backgrounds are more highly exposed to air pollution, such as fine particulates (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was recently involved in a review of the association between air quality around schools and inequalities in England, finding that schools in areas with the highest background levels of PM2.5 had a significantly higher ethnic minority pupil proportion compared to schools in areas with the lowest background PM2.5, and were more likely to be near major roads.

NHS: Liverpool Wavertree

Paula Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) financial and (b) other steps her department is taking to help tackle NHS workforce shortages in Liverpool Wavertree constituency.

Will Quince: The Department has commissioned NHS England to develop a long-term workforce plan. The plan will consider the number of staff and the roles required and will set out the actions and reforms needed to improve workforce supply and retention, including in Liverpool Wavertree.

NHS: Bury South

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) financial and (b) other steps her Department is taking to help tackle NHS workforce shortages in Bury South constituency.

Will Quince: The Department has commissioned NHS England to develop a long-term workforce plan. The plan will consider the number of staff and the roles required and will set out the actions and reforms needed to improve workforce supply and retention, including in Bury South.

Mental Health Services: Bermondsey and Old Southwark

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Bermondsey and Old Southwark constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including South East London Integrated Care System, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including South East London Integrated Care System, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

NHS: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) financial and (b) other steps her Department is taking to help tackle NHS workforce shortages in Edmonton constituency.

Will Quince: The Department has commissioned NHS England to develop a long-term workforce plan. The plan will consider the number of staff and the roles required and will set out the actions and reforms needed to improve workforce supply and retention, including in Edmonton.

Mental Health: Research

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans she has to increase funding for mental health research.

Maria Caulfield: The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). In 2021/22, the NIHR’s expenditure on mental health research was approximately £120 million. The NIHR recently launched a mental health research initiative, which included a £30 million investment to target acute regional and community mental health needs. The NIHR is exploring plans to provide further support to improve research capacity and capability, particularly in regions with low research activity and high unmet need. The NIHR’s funding is available through open competition for mental health and it encourages researchers to submit applications in this area.

Health Services: Females

Feryal Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department has taken since the publication of the Women’s Health Strategy to work with the Women’s Health Ambassador and key stakeholders to promote and improve the accessibility of existing guidelines and evidence-based resources available to healthcare professionals on women’s health.

Maria Caulfield: We are considering our approach to implementation of the Women’s Health Strategy.

Mental Health Services: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Edmonton constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in Edmonton, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024. NHS England continues to support local systems, including in Edmonton, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of an independent review of alcohol harms.

Neil O'Brien: No specific assessment has been made. However, the former Public Health England published an assessment of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of policies to reduce alcohol-related harm in England in December 2016. This included a review of the evidence on the public health burden of alcohol in England and policy responses to reduce the health, social and economic harm.

General Practitioners: Slough

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of GPs in Slough constituency.

Neil O'Brien: We are working with NHS England, Health Education England and the profession to increase the general practice workforce in England, including in Slough. This includes measures to improve recruitment, address the reasons why doctors leave the profession and encourage them to return to practice.The updated GP Contract Framework announced a number of new schemes, alongside continued support for existing recruitment and retention schemes for the general practice workforce. This includes the GP Retention Scheme, the GP Retention Fund, the National GP Induction and Refresher, the Locum Support Scheme, the New to Partnership Payment and the Supporting Mentors Scheme.

Mental Health Services: Dulwich and West Norwood

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Dulwich and West Norwood constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including NHS South East London Integrated Care Board, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024.NHS England continues to support local systems, including NHS South East London Integrated Care Board, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Health Services: Standards

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to assess best practice demonstrated by health and wellbeing boards; and whether she is taking steps to share that best practice throughout the health service.

Neil O'Brien: In July 2022, the Department published draft guidance on the role of health and wellbeing boards to implement the Health and Care Act 2022.We have invited feedback on the draft guidance, which includes examples of case studies and best practice. These will be shared when the final guidance is published.

HIV Infection: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 25 October 2022 to Question 64163 on HIV Infection: Lancaster and Fleetwood, in what format the data is held on (a) geographical location or (b) region showing where people were diagnosed with HIV for each of the last five years.

Neil O'Brien: Data on HIV diagnoses is collected on lower super output area of residence. This is aligned to local authorities, upper tier local authorities and Government office regions for surveillance. The following table shows the number of people diagnosed with HIV in each year from 2017 to 2021 in the local authorities of Lancaster and Wyre. 20172018201920202021Lancaster710446Wyre56335 Source: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/sexualhealth/data#page/1

General Practitioners: Walsall South

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of FTE fully qualified GPs, excluding GPs in Training Grade, practicing in Walsall South constituency; and what the number was in 2013.

Neil O'Brien: This information is not collected in the format requested.

General Practitioners: Garston and Halewood

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of FTE Fully qualified GPs excluding GPs in Training Grade practicing in Garston and Halewood on 25 October 2022; and what that number was in 2013.

Neil O'Brien: This information is not collected in the format requested.

General Practitioners

Wes Streeting: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many GP appointments have been cancelled as a result of staffing shortages in the NHS in each of the last 12 months.

Neil O'Brien: This data is not collected centrally.

Moderna

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the status is of the contract to execute the signed Head of Terms from June 2022 between the Government and Moderna for the manufacturer to open a vaccines research and manufacturing centre in the UK.

Neil O'Brien: In June 2022, the Government agreed a heads of terms with Moderna to create a strategic partnership over the next decade. A full contract is being negotiated, subject to approval of a Full Business Case. The proposed partnership, if agreed, will strengthen domestic mRNA capability and equip the United Kingdom to respond to COVID-19 and future health emergencies.

Health: Ethnic Groups

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the (a) findings and (b) recommendations of the Birmingham and Lewisham African Caribbean Health Inequalities Review, published in March 2022.

Neil O'Brien: There are no current plans to make a specific assessment. ‘Our plan for patients’, published on 22 September, sets out the immediate priorities to support individuals to live healthier lives, including improving access to health and care services in all areas and preventing ill-health. Further information on measures to address health disparities will be available in due course.

Ambulance Services: Vehicles

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the fuel used by NHS Ambulance Trusts is forward purchased.

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much bunkered diesel fuel NHS Ambulance Trusts are required to have in reserve at any one time.

Will Quince: NHS England advises that there is no fixed requirement regarding levels of bunkered diesel fuel reserves held by ambulance trusts. Local Resilience Forums have a statutory responsibility to put in place contingency plans, which include access to fuel. Ambulance trusts are required to work with Local Resilience Forums to determine these arrangements. While ambulance trusts do not forward purchase fuel, trusts buy fuel in bulk for bunkers and make arrangements with fuel card suppliers for discounted access at forecourts.

Disease Control: International Cooperation

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the Government's policy is on a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organization to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

Neil O'Brien: The United Kingdom is working closely with World Health Organization member states to negotiate a pandemic instrument. The UK supports a new instrument as part of a comprehensive approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The UK has been clear that we would not sign any instrument which would compromise the UK’s ability to take domestic decisions on national restrictions or other national measures concerning public health.

General Practitioners: Manchester Withington

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many GP practices were open in Manchester Withington constituency (a) on 20 October 2022 and (b) in 2013.

Neil O'Brien: In September 2013, there were 20 practices registered in Manchester, Withington, with 13 practices registered in October 2022.Practices close for a variety of reasons, including practice mergers or retirement. A reduction in practice numbers does not indicate a reduction in the quality of care. When a practice closes, patients are informed and advised to register at another local practice of their choice. Practices and commissioners must put in place appropriate measures to ensure that affected patients have access to general practitioner services.

Heart Diseases: Medical Treatments

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she plans to publish a (a) commissioning policy and (b) policy statement on Tricuspid valve repair.

Neil O'Brien: There are currently no plans to publish a commissioning policy or policy statement on Tricuspid valve repair.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prescriptions

Simon Lightwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of allowing people diagnosed with Crohn's and Colitis to access a medical exemption card.

Neil O'Brien: There are no current plans to review or extend the prescription charge medical exemptions list to include long term conditions such Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Approximately 89% of prescription items are currently dispensed free of charge and there are wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place for which those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may meet the eligibility criteria and be in receipt of free prescriptions.To support those who do not qualify for an exemption from prescription charges, the cost of prescriptions can be capped by purchasing a prescription pre-payment certificate, which can be paid for in instalments. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week. Additionally, people on a low income who do not qualify for an exemption from prescription charges can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Service, which provides help with health costs on an income-related basis.

Mental Health Services: Leeds North West

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Leeds North West constituency.

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Leeds North West constituency.

Maria Caulfield: In September we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will increase access to National Health Service mental health and eating disorder services, including in Leeds North West. Ensuring easier access to general practice will expand this route to access mental health services.Through the NHS Long Term Plan, we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand NHS mental health and eating disorder services for adults, children and young people in England, including in Leeds North West. We will invest approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness. including eating disorders, by 2023/24 and an additional £53 million per year in children and young people's community eating disorder services to increase capacity in the 70 community eating disorder teams.

Dental Services: Wirral West

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children under the age of (a) four and (b) 11 were admitted to hospital for a tooth extraction due to decay in Wirral West constituency in each of the last five years.

Neil O'Brien: This information is not held in the format requested.

Electronic Cigarettes: Children

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make it her policy to increase the level of fines for underage sales of vaping products.

Neil O'Brien: There are no current plans to increase the level of fines for underage sales of vaping products any further. Under current regulations, if an individual is found guilty of selling nicotine inhaling products to a young person under 18 years, they may be fined up to £2,500.

Parkinson's Disease: Health Services

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she is taking steps to implement an NHS workforce plan to support Parkinson's care.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to implement an NHS workforce plan to support Parkinson's care.

Will Quince: Local health systems are responsible for planning local staffing levels in line with service priorities, including providing care to people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Electronic Cigarettes

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of introducing a licencing scheme for the sale of e-cigarettes on (a) the Government's objective for England to be smokefree by 2030 and (b) preventing the underage sale of e-cigarettes; and if she will make a statement.

Neil O'Brien: There have been no recent discussions.

Coronavirus: Medical Treatments

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the remit of the RAPID C19 taskforce includes fast tracking the roll-out of approved covid-19 treatments.

Neil O'Brien: RAPID C-19 is a multi-agency initiative including NIHR, NICE, MHRA, NHSE&I and representatives from the devolved governments. When treatments are proven to be safe and effective, the RAPID C-19 group works to get treatments for COVID-19 to NHS patients quickly and safely, by providing a streamlined process from horizon scanning, to regulatory approval, to patients. This initiative has already enabled rapid patient access to therapeutics including dexamethasone, remdesivir, tocilizumab and sarilumab and baricitinib and novel antibody treatments such as casirivimab and imdevimab and sotrovimab, and the two oral antivirals molnupiravir and nirmatralvir+ritonavir (Paxlovid).

Mental Health Services: Bristol West

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to mental health services in Bristol West constituency.

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support young people with eating disorders in Bristol West constituency.

Maria Caulfield: In September we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will increase access to National Health Service mental health and eating disorder services, including in Bristol West. Ensuring easier access to general practice will expand this route to access mental health services.Through the NHS Long Term Plan, we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand NHS mental health and eating disorder services for adults, children and young people in England, including in Bristol West. We will invest approximately £1 billion in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness. including eating disorders, by 2023/24 and an additional £53 million per year in children and young people's community eating disorder services to increase capacity in the 70 community eating disorder teams.

Mental Health Services

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it remains his policy to introduce a new 10-year plan to improve mental health.

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish a 10-year plan for mental health before Christmas 2022; and if that plan will set out policy objectives for all Departments.

Maria Caulfield: In response to the mental health and wellbeing call for evidence, we received 5,273 submissions from a range of stakeholders in England. We are currently considering these responses and further information will be available in due course.

Dental Services: City of Durham

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that every child in the City of Durham constituency has access to an NHS dentist.

Neil O'Brien: Our Plan for Patients’ includes initial improvements to ensure dentists are remunerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver NHS treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The Plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists; and holding the local ICS to account for dentistry provision. A statement was also made on 19th July on the reforms that the Government has made to the dental contract.The Government is working hard with NHS England and contractors to restore dental services across England, including in Durham. NHS England asked dental practices to return to delivering 100% of their contracted activity from July 2022.In circumstances where parents are unable to access an urgent dental appointment for their child directly through a NHS dental practice, they should contact NHS 111 for assistance.

Nutrition: Health Education

Conor McGinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help promote the health benefits of milk and other dairy products.

Neil O'Brien: Dairy is an important source of a range of nutrients, including calcium. The consumption of milk and dairy products or fortified alternatives is promoted as part of a healthy balanced diet. The Eatwell Guide encourages the population to consume some milk and dairy products, choosing lower fat and lower sugar varieties where available. The Eatwell Guide healthy eating principles, including those promoting milk and dairy products, are communicated through GOV.UK, NHS.UK and social marketing campaigns such as Healthier Families and Better Health.

General Practitioners: Greater London

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding has been allocated to North East London ICS to support with GP retention for 2022-23; and how much was spent in 2021-22 for that purpose.

Neil O'Brien: North East London Integrated Care System (NEL ICS) reports that in 2021/22, it was allocated £460,000 and spent £460,000 on projects across all 7 boroughs. Programmes last year included the introduction of mid-career fellowships, the development of peer support groups for GPs at different career stages and widening participation through Primary Care mentorship and work experience.NEL ICS was allocated £460,000 for 2022/23, which will be invested in existing and new projects.NHS England advises that a total of £1.9 million for GP retention schemes was allocated and spent by the ICS/CCGs in 2021/22 and £2.3 million allocated to the Integrated Care Board in 2022/23.

General Practitioners: Luton South

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of GP appointments in Luton South constituency that were conducted face-to-face in (a) the last 12 months and (b) 2013.

Neil O'Brien: This information is not collected in the format requested. In the 12 months to September 2022, 74.8% of general practice appointments in the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System area were conducted face-to-face, excluding COVID-19 vaccinations.

Coronavirus: Immunosuppression

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether people who are immunosuppressed still receive notifications to remind them of their covid-19 booster vaccine eligibility.

Neil O'Brien: NHS England continues to invite people who are immunosuppressed for all COVID-19 vaccine doses they are eligible to receive, including booster doses.Individuals who are immunosuppressed should be invited to book their COVID-19 autumn booster dose by the NHS. GPs or hospital specialists invite those with severe immunosuppression based on clinical judgement of optimal timing for the individual concerned.Local COVID-19 vaccination sites have been advised by the NHS to allow people with immunosuppression to self-declare their eligibility for a COVID-19 autumn booster vaccination, and they can also attend walk-in sites to make getting their booster vaccination as easy as possible.The Government continues to be guided by the advice of the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines.The Government has accepted the JCVI’s advice that in exceptional circumstances the Novavax vaccine, Nuvaxovid, may be used when no clinically suitable United Kingdom-approved COVID-19 vaccine alternative is available.The Nuvaxovid vaccine is the current alternative for those who are clinically intolerant to and are unable to receive the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna which are currently in deployment.Deployment of Nuvaxovid began on 28 September 2022. Nuvaxovid replaces the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, as an alternative for a mRNA vaccine.

Coronavirus: Myocarditis

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of 24 October 2022, Official Report, column 21WH, on what evidential basis she said that (a) there were an estimated 1,500 cases of myocarditis per million patients with covid-19 and (b) the myocarditis suffered by those patients was caused by covid-19; and if she will place this evidence in the Library of the House.

Neil O'Brien: Evidence of an estimated 1,500 cases of myocarditis per million patients with COVID-19 infection derives from the study ‘Association Between COVID-19 and Myocarditis Using Hospital-Based Administrative Data — United States, March 2020–January 2021’ which is available at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7035e5.htm#:~:text=Some%20studies%20have%20indicated%20an,varied%20by%20sex%20and%20age This study found that patients with COVID-19 had almost 16 times the risk of myocarditis in comparison with patients without COVID-19.

General Practitioners: Early Retirement

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has she made of the potential impact of the Government's policy on trends in the level of early retirement of GPs.

Neil O'Brien: A GP's decision to retire can be influenced by many factors. We are working to support and grow the general practice workforce, address the reasons why doctors leave the profession, and encourage them to return to practice.The updated GP Contract Framework for 2020/21 announced a number of new retention schemes, and continued support for existing schemes, to retain more GPs.We are also working with the NHS and profession to understand how we can continue to help GPs and improve their working environment, particularly in light of the pressures from the pandemic.

General Practitioners: Lancaster and Fleetwood

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 26 October 2022 to Question 65848 on General Practitioners: Lancaster and Fleetwood, in what format the information of the number of FTE fully qualified GPs, excluding GPs in training grade, is collected.

Neil O'Brien: The data is collected by NHS Digital at integrated care board (ICB) level, which were established on 1 July 2022 and replaced clinical commissioning groups.

Dental Services: Edmonton

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help improve access to NHS dental services in Edmonton constituency.

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of NHS dentist provision in Edmonton constituency.

Neil O'Brien: No specific assessment has been made. In September, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which outlines how we will meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Edmonton.The plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver National Health Service treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The plan also includes streamlining processes for overseas dentists and holding the local NHS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England is also reforming dental education to improve the recruitment and retention of dental professionals.

Healthy Start Scheme: York

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of those entitled to Healthy Start vouchers have accessed those vouchers in York.

Neil O'Brien: The Healthy Start voucher scheme ended on 31 March 2022 and paper vouchers have been replaced by pre-paid cards. In York in March 2022, of the 938 beneficiaries eligible for the NHS Healthy Start scheme, there were 698 beneficiaries or 75% of those in the paper voucher scheme and the prepaid card scheme.

Vaccination: Children

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to tackle the prevalence of anti-vaccination information and its impact on levels of childhood vaccinations.

Neil O'Brien: The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is working closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), media, social media, and technology companies on innovative ways to tackle proliferation of anti-vaccine messaging, limit misinformation, promote positive messages about vaccination and ensure that reputable sources such as NHS.uk are the most prominent.

Prescription Drugs: Safety

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has put safeguards in place to help protect patients who collect prescriptions from pharmacists without written consent from a GP.

Neil O'Brien: Once a prescription has been signed by the prescriber, the patient or their representative can ask a chosen pharmacy to dispense the medicine and it may be collected without further authorisation by the prescriber.

Long Covid: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 18 October 2022 to Question 59159 on Long Covid: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, for what reason her Department decided not to collect this information.

Neil O'Brien: The long-term effects of COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis are separate conditions as defined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Polio: Greater London

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will provide an update on the proportion of children aged one to nine in London who have received their polio vaccination or booster since the start of the inactivated polio vaccine booster campaign.

Neil O'Brien: All eligible children in London have now been invited to receive a polio booster vaccine. As of 19 October 2022, 185,307 vaccines have been administered. The National Health Service publishes weekly data on the number of booster vaccine doses delivered, which is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/polio-vaccinations-in-london-region/

Healthy Start Scheme

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 22 March 2022 to Question 140359 on Healthy Start Scheme, whether she has made an assessment of the impact of recent trends in inflation on the effectiveness of Healthy Start scheme vouchers; and if she will make a statement.

Neil O'Brien: No specific assessment has been made.

Healthy Start Scheme: Migrants

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many applications for the Healthy Start payment have been made from applicants with No Recourse to Public Funds with British children; and how many beneficiaries are currently in receipt of payments.

Neil O'Brien: The Department has received 44 fully completed applications for the Healthy Start payment which meet the eligibility criteria for the temporary extension to the Healthy Start scheme. There are currently 31 beneficiaries in receipt of payments from the temporary extension to the Healthy Start scheme.

Pregnancy: Air Pollution

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she has made an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of air pollution on the (a) lung, (b) liver and (c) brain health of unborn babies in England.

Neil O'Brien: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) works with the Office of Health Improvment and Disparities and the Department on a national programme of work which aims to reduce people’s exposure to air pollution and achieve better outcomes for all – particularly for the most vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children. This can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukhsa-priorities-in-2022-to-2023Whilst the UKHSA is not currently undertaking a quantitative estimate of the impact of air pollution on the health of unborn babies, there is evidence that air pollution exposure is associated with potential effects on foetal growth. This is noted in a report that Public Health England, the predecessor organisation of the UKHSA, contributed to.A Royal College of Physicians’ and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report examined the impact of exposure to air pollution across the course of a lifetime. It states that from the earliest stages of development DNA is susceptible to changes arising from exposure to air pollution. During critical periods of development, any interference can harm organs and tissues or change their developmental trajectory so that their function is impaired. The susceptibility of the development of lungs and the brain to air pollution are highlighted in the report.

General Practitioners: Locums

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of reimbursements provided to GP surgeries by NHS England to cover the cost of a locum while a GP takes parental or sickness leave.

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to expedite payments made to GP surgeries under the NHS England locum reimbursement scheme.

Neil O'Brien: General practitioner (GP) practices are entitled to claim reimbursement from NHS England for the cost for providing cover when a GP is on parental or sickness leave. The British Medical Association’s general practitioners committee were consulted on these payment arrangements, which are set out the in General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlements (No. 2) Directions 2021. Any changes to these payment arrangements would be subject to consultation with the general practitioners committee.

Treatment Centres: Older People

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of the number of diagnostics not available to be ordered for patients in England by their GPs on the basis that the patient is over 60; and whether policy decisions regarding restrictions on diagnostics are the responsibility of (a) NHS England, (b) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence or (c) local commissioning bodies.

Neil O'Brien: There are no restrictions on diagnostic tests purely based on age. We therefore do not hold this data. Diagnostic tests are accessible to patients based on their clinical circumstances in all settings.Local commissioning bodies are responsible for designing services, including diagnostics, that meet the needs of their local populations based on an assessment of priorities and taking into account authoritative, evidence-based guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence where available and taking account of NHS England’s Evidence-based Interventions programme.

Ophthalmic Services: Liverpool Riverside

Kim Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to support the improvement of eye care services in Liverpool, Riverside constituency.

Neil O'Brien: We have allocated more than £8 billion from 2022/23 to 2024/25, in addition to the £2 billion Elective Recovery Fund and £700 million Targeted Investment Fund already made available in 2021/2022 to increase elective activity, including for eye care services in Liverpool. NHS England is working with partners to support outpatient ophthalmology services closer to home and in the community through the use of technology and workforce skills in primary and secondary care.

Vaccination: City of Durham

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the number of vaccine centres in City of Durham constituency.

Neil O'Brien: Vaccination teams in County Durham are prioritising the most vulnerable reflecting advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Within County Durham, the majority of COVID-19 vaccines will be administered through general practitioner practices, which are using local booking systems to invite patients for COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments.

Palivizumab

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 20 September to Question 47662, whether a specific date has been confirmed for NHS England’s Palivizumab National Expert Group to report its recommendations to the JCVI.

Neil O'Brien: The Palivizumab National Expert Group has now reported the outcome of its discussion and recommendations to the Joint Committee on Vaccination Immunisation, which will be discussed in a forthcoming meeting. A specific date has for this meeting has not yet been confirmed.

General Practitioners: Wirral South

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will take steps to increase the availability of face-to-face GP appointments in Wirral South constituency.

Neil O'Brien: On 22 September 2022, we announced ‘Our plan for patients’, which contains measures to assist people make an informed choice on their general practitioner (GP) practice, book an appointment more easily, benefit from more care options and increase the diversity of general practice teams. This aims to increase the availability of appointment types, such as face-to-face, in England, including in Wirral South.NHS England’s guidance states that GP practices must provide face to face appointments and remote consultations and should respect preferences for face-to-face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary.  While remote consultations can provide additional choice, flexibility and convenience for patients, this is not suitable for all patients or in all circumstances.

Tobacco

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) she and (b) her officials have had discussions with Downing Street Chief of Staff on tobacco control.

Neil O'Brien: There have been no specific discussions.

General Practitioners: Lewisham

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 26 October 2022 to Question 60064 on General Practitioners: Greater London, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the quality of care in (a) Lewisham East constituency and (b) the London Borough of Lewisham following the closure of GP practices since 2017.

Neil O'Brien: In the event of a practice closure, NHS England will assess the need for a replacement provider before transferring patients to alternative practices. NHS England is responsible for ensuring that patients have access to a general practitioner (GP) practice. Commissioners must put in place appropriate measures to ensure that affected patients have access to GP services.

Health: Disadvantaged

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2022 to Question 59514 on Health: Equality, for what reasons his Department has not provided a date for the publication of the health disparities white paper.

Neil O'Brien: No decisions have been taken in relation to the health disparities white paper.

Black Country Integrated Care System: General Practitioners

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many GPs who had been previously working in Black Country Integrated Care System area have left the profession over the last three years.

Neil O'Brien: This information is not collected in the format requested.

Mental Health Services: Luton South

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of mental health specialists in Luton South constituency.

Maria Caulfield: The NHS Long Term Plan stated the aim of increasing the mental health workforce in England by an additional 27,000 professionals by 2023/24. NHS England and Health Education England are working with local integrated care systems, including in Luton South, to confirm plans for service models, supply, retention and recruitment until 2024. NHS England continues to support local systems, including in Luton South, to develop tailored health and wellbeing offers to meet the needs of the local mental health workforce. This includes mental health hubs in each integrated care system and occupational health services which are being supported through the Growing Occupational Health and Wellbeing national programme.

Drugs: Rehabilitation

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to protect the £780 million of funding for rebuilding the drug treatment system announced as part of the Government’s 10-Year Drug Strategy.

Neil O'Brien: The £780 million comprises £532 million for the Department of Health and Social Care to improve treatment services to reduce harm and increase recovery rates, with the remaining funding shared between the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Department for Work and Pensions.In 2022/23, local authorities have been allocated £96 million via the drug strategy for drug and alcohol treatment services, in addition to existing funding from the Public Health Grant and indicative funding published for three years. The additional investment in treatment services supports the strategy’s commitment to prevent 750,000 crimes, including 140,000 neighbourhood crimes and prevent nearly 1,000 drug related deaths.

North East London Health and Care Partnership: General Practitioners

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding has been allocated to North East London ICS to support with GP retention in 2022-23; and how much was spent in that ICS for that purpose in 2021-22.

Neil O'Brien: North East London Integrated Care System (NEL ICS) reports that in 2021/22, it was allocated £460,000 and spent £460,000 on projects across all 7 boroughs. Programmes last year included the introduction of mid-career fellowships, the development of peer support groups for GPs at different career stages and widening participation through Primary Care mentorship and work experience.NEL ICS was allocated £460,000 for 2022/23, which will be invested in existing and new projects.NHS England advises that a total of £1.9 million for GP retention schemes was allocated and spent by the ICS/CCGs in 2021/22 and £2.3 million allocated to the Integrated Care Board in 2022/23.

North East London Health and Care Partnership: General Practitioners

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve GP retention in the North East London ICS area.

Neil O'Brien: We are working with NHS England and Health Education England to increase the general practice workforce in England, including North East London. This includes measures to boost recruitment, address the reasons why doctors leave the profession, and encourage them to return to practice.The updated GP Contract Framework announced a number of new schemes, alongside continued support for existing recruitment and retention schemes for the general practice workforce. This includes the GP Retention Scheme, the GP Retention Fund, the National GP Induction and Refresher, the Locum Support Scheme, the New to Partnership Payment and the Supporting Mentors Scheme. To boost recruitment, we have increased the number of GP training places. In 2021/22, we saw the highest ever number of doctors accepting a place on GP training - a record 4,000 trainees, up from 2,671 in 2014.

Cystic Fibrosis: Clinical Psychologists and Social Workers

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of (a) paediatric cystic fibrosis centres and (b) adult cystic fibrosis centres in England had a (i) social worker and (ii) clinical psychologist vacancy for more than six months, for each year since 2015.

Helen Whately: The information requested is not held centrally.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to recent trends in the level of covid-19 infections, what steps her Department is taking to prevent further spread of that virus.

Neil O'Brien: We continue to monitor prevalence of COVID-19 and other related factors, such as hospitalisations and deaths. Surveillance indicators suggest that COVID-19 activity has increased in most indicators. However, the success of the COVID-19 vaccination and booster programme and the availability of antivirals has ensured there is a lower risk of severe illness or hospitalisation.We are protecting those at high risk of illness from COVID-19 by making free testing available in high-risk settings. In August 2022, prevalence was low therefore asymptomatic testing in high-risk settings was removed. However, this is kept under review.

Dental Services: Shropshire

Helen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to increase the number of NHS dentists in Shropshire.

Neil O'Brien: In September we announced Our Plan for Patients, which outlines the initial steps we are taking to meet oral health needs and increase access to dental care, including in Shropshire.The Plan includes improvements to ensure dentists are renumerated fairly for more complex work, allowing greater flexibility to reallocate resources and to utilise dentists with greater capacity to deliver NHS treatment, whilst enabling full use of the dental team. The Plan also includes streamlining processes for registration of overseas dentists so they can more swiftly start to treat NHS patients; and holding the local ICS to account for dentistry provision. In addition, Health Education England are also delivering a programme to reform dental education which will help recruitment and retention of dental professionals, including NHS dentists and other dental care professionals.

Genito-urinary Medicine

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the statement in the Women's Health Strategy published on 30 August 2022, when she plans to be publish her plan for sexual and reproductive health.

Neil O'Brien: We will set out plans to improve sexual and reproductive health in England in due course.

Monkeypox: Vaccination

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2022 to Question 63980 on Monkeypox: Vaccination, whether her Department has put in place contingency measures for an increase in monkeypox cases.

Neil O'Brien: The United Kingdom has purchased more than 150,000 vaccine doses during the monkeypox outbreak. We are prioritising vaccine stock where possible for second doses for those at highest risk to maximise protection and interrupt transmission. Regular surveillance and stakeholder engagement continues to ensure we are prepared in the event of any increase in cases.

Dental Services

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make an estimate of how many people are waiting to be registered with an NHS dentist in (a) Romford, (b) Havering, and (c) the UK.

Neil O'Brien: The information requested is not held centrally, as patients are registered with a dentist for the delivery of a course of treatment. Appointments for National Health Service treatment are managed directly by dental practices.

Social Services: Staff

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Care Quality Commission's State of Care report, what steps her Department is taking to strengthen workforce planning for the social care sector.

Helen Whately: Local authorities are responsible for delivering social care and supporting recruitment and retention locally, utilising oversight of local systems to identify workforce shortages and develop resourcing plans.

Health: Screening

Mr Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent progress his Department has made on providing additional (a) scans, (b) tests and (c) check-ups.

Will Quince: In February 2022 the National Health Service (NHS) published its Delivery Plan for Tackling the COVID-19 Backlog of Elective Care. The delivery plan commits the NHS to deliver nine million additional treatments and diagnostic procedures over the next three years and around 30 per cent more elective activity than it was doing before the pandemic by 2024-25.2.06 million key diagnostic tests and scans were conducted in August 2022 compared with pre- pandemic activity of 1.9 million tests for August 2019.There are currently 89 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) currently operational that offer additional diagnostic capacity for patients waiting for clinical tests such as MRIs, ultrasounds and CT scans. CDCs have delivered over two million additional tests and scans as of October 2022. Investment in up to 160 CDCs will deliver 17 million tests by March 2025, having added the capacity for nine million more per year once they are all fully operational.There were on average 1.35 million general practice appointments per working day in September 2022, excluding Covid-19 vaccination appointments. This is an increase of 3.6% from September 2021.

Monkeypox: Disease Control

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department and the UK Health Security Agency are taking to help ensure that the UK is prepared for any potential future outbreak of monkeypox.

Neil O'Brien: The Government is committed to controlling both the current and any potential future outbreaks of monkeypox. Led by UKHSA, we have been working with the four public health agencies of the UK to monitor the epidemiology, and, if the situation deteriorates, we will not hesitate to do what is needed to respond effectively.UKHSA are continuously scanning for new potential outbreaks of monkeypox by conducting extensive diagnostic testing of suspected cases through UKHSA laboratories and some NHS laboratories, comprehensive contact tracing of close contacts of confirmed cases and genomic sequencing of confirmed cases to map and respond to new clades of the virus. Full details can be found of our response can be found at the following link:www.gov.uk/government/publications/monkeypox-outbreak-technical-briefings/investigation-into-monkeypox-outbreak-in-england-technical-briefing-8#part-6genomic-surveillance.

Midwives: Bradford East

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help support the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of midwives in Bradford East constituency.

Will Quince: NHS England retains oversight of local workforce plans and is updated on vacancy rates. However, recruitment and retention is undertaken at trust level. In 2022, an additional £127 million has been invested in the National Health Service maternity workforce and improving neonatal care, including in Bradford East. This is in addition to the £95 million invested in 2021 to fund a further 1,200 midwives and 100 consultant obstetricians. The NHS People Plan focuses on improving the retention of NHS staff by prioritising staff health and wellbeing. In 2022/23, £45 million has been allocated to support the continuation of 40 mental health hubs, the Professional Nurse Advocates programme and expanding the NHS Practitioner Health service.

Care Homes and Health Services

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the Government plans to respond to the Joint Committee on Human Rights report on Protecting human rights in care settings HC 216 published on 22 July 2022.

Helen Whately: The Government is considering the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ report and will respond in due course.

Chemicals: Health Hazards

Bim Afolami: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in context of the UK Health Security Agency participation in the Partnership for the Risk Assessment of Chemicals, what planned activities the agency has as a participating organisation; and whether the agency plans to conduct human biomonitoring to monitor exposure within the UK population to harmful chemicals, including hormone disrupting chemicals.

Neil O'Brien: The UK Health Security Agency and United Kingdom participants are involved in all aspects of the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals, including the assessment of human exposures to environmental pollutants and environmental monitoring of chemicals of concern. The Partnership is currently determining its priorities which will be published online in due course.

Mental Health Services: Ambulance Services

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it remains Government policy to invest £7 million for specialist mental health ambulances.

Maria Caulfield: The Government is committed to investing £150 million for significant improvements in the mental health estate over the course of the Spending Review (2021). This includes £7 million for specialised mental health ambulances across the country to reduce the use of general ambulance call-outs for those experiencing a mental health crisis and prevent the inappropriate use of police vehicles as a way to take people to hospital. This will ease pressure on services, improve response times and outcomes for people in crisis which will help save lives, as well as ensuring patients experiencing a crisis are treated with dignity and respect.

Wales Office

Wales Office: Correspondence and Written Questions

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps their Department is taking to reduce the time taken to respond to (a) written parliamentary questions and (b) correspondence from Members of Parliament.

David T C Davies: All Departments have access to regular training led by the Parliamentary Capability Team through the Government Campus. The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales attaches great importance to the effective and timely handling of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and correspondence, and officials remain committed to providing the highest level of service. Between the period of May to July inclusive, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales answered 100% of written parliamentary questions and 100% of correspondence from Members of Parliament on time.

Department for Education

Schools: Governing Bodies

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve communications from her Department to (a) secondary schools and (b) boards of governors on changes to governors boards regulations.

Nick Gibb: The Government is committed to providing excellent communication with secondary schools and boards of governors across the UK. Through the ‘Get Information About Schools’ site on GOV.UK, schools and trusts are required to provide the Department with up-to-date contact details. The site is available at: https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/.The Department uses this information to routinely inform governors of any changes that may affect them, such as changes to model articles. The Department issues a quarterly ‘Governance Update’ email, which is sent directly to over 100,000 individual governors, as well as being published on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-governance-update.Governor board regulations have not changed for maintained schools since 2016.

Schools: Charities

Lee Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that materials provided by (a) Mermaids and (b) other advocacy organisations for use in schools are appropriate for use by (i) vulnerable and (ii) other children.

Nick Gibb: Schools have flexibility over how they deliver the Curriculum and what resources they use.The non-statutory implementation guidance, ‘Plan your Relationships, Sex and Health Curriculum,’ sets out clear guidance for schools in choosing resources, and states that schools should assess all resources carefully to ensure they are age appropriate, meet the outcome of the relevant part of the curriculum, and are in line with the school’s legal duties in relation to impartiality.Schools should not promote contested theory as fact. The Department expects schools to use the Relationships, Sex and Health Education Curriculum to help children understand the world around them in an age-appropriate, balanced manner. The Department also expects schools to consult with parents on these matters and to make reasonable decisions about the content of their Curriculum.The Department recognises the issues relating to gender identity, and we are currently developing transgender guidance to support schools to navigate these complex and sensitive issues. The Department intends to hold a full public consultation on the draft guidance prior to publication in 2023.

Pupils: Disadvantaged

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will publish a regional breakdown of the disadvantage gap index published in the most recent provisional key stage 4 data release.

Nick Gibb: The disadvantage gap index is designed as a national level indicator, and no regional breakdowns are produced or published.The provisional Key Stage 4 data release on 20 October 2022 contains regional level data for both disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils, and this covers a number of headline measures, including Attainment 8 and the percentage of pupils achieving grades 9-5 in English and mathematics. This data shows the disadvantage gap at a regional level, but with a different methodology from the gap index. This can be found within the ‘Key Stage 4 local authority characteristics data’ downloadable file on the Key Stage 4 performance page, which can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/key-stage-4-performance-revised/2021-22.

Schools: Rother Valley

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary school libraries there are in Rother Valley constituency as of 25 October 2022.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many secondary school libraries there are in Rother Valley constituency as of 25 October 2022.

Nick Gibb: The Department believes that all pupils deserve to be taught a knowledge-rich curriculum that promotes the extensive reading of books and other texts, both in and out of school. School libraries complement public libraries in allowing pupils to do this.Given this autonomy which is granted to schools, the Department does not collect information on the number of school libraries.It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils, including whether to employ a qualified librarian. Many head teachers recognise the important role school libraries play in improving literacy and encouraging pupils to read for pleasure and ensure that suitable library facilities are provided. School libraries can take many forms, with some schools preferring to make books a focus in other ways, including housing them within classrooms.

Primary Education: Rother Valley

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard for Key Stage 2 English in 2022.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard for Key Stage 1 English in 2022.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard in Key Stage 2 English in each year since 2012.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard for Key Stage 1 English in each year since 2012.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard for Key Stage 2 reading in 2022.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard for Key Stage 2 writing in 2022.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard for Key Stage 1 reading in 2022.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools in Rother Valley constituency achieved the expected standard for Key Stage 1 writing in 2022.

Nick Gibb: The Department does not publish Key Stage 1 attainment data at school level. Key Stage 1 assessments are not school level accountability measures.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that Key Stage 2 assessments did not take place in the 2019/20 or 2020/21 academic years. Key Stage 2 assessments returned in the 2021/22 academic year, without any adaptations. The Department has made a firm commitment not to publish school level Key Stage 2 results for academic year 2021/22.At Key Stage 2, the Department does not publish a combined measure for English. The Department does publish a combined measure for reading, writing and maths. For the 2015/16 to 2018/19 academic years, the Department published the number and percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths (combined) at constituency level. Information for Rother Valley is attached. Constituency level data for 2022 will be published in the Key Stage 2 attainment statistics in December 2022.New Key Stage 2 assessments were introduced in 2016 to assess the more challenging National Curriculum introduced in 2014. These assessments raised expectations for pupil attainment at the end of Key Stage 2. For this reason, data is provided from academic year 2015/16 only, as data from previous years is not comparable.71319_group_table (pdf, 70.8KB)

Pupil Premium

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the pupil premium on improving education outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in schools in England; and if she will take steps to uprate the pupil premium in line with inflation.

Nick Gibb: Since its introduction in 2011, the Pupil Premium has provided additional funding for state-funded schools in England to improve education outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Pupil Premium funding rates are increasing by 2.7% in the 2022/23 financial year, taking total pupil premium funding to over £2.6 billion. Rates for the 2023/24 financial year will be announced in due course.In addition, £1 billion of recovery premium funding is being provided to state funded schools across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years, to deliver evidence based approaches to support educational recovery of disadvantaged pupils.To give pupils access to the best evidenced support with this funding, the Department has re-endowed the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) with £137 million. Building on their work over the past decade, the EEF will use this funding to build the Department’s understanding of what works to raise disadvantaged pupils’ attainment. From the start of the 2022/23 academic year, schools must use their funding in line with the Department’s published ‘menu of approaches’, which draws on EEF evidence to ensure they are focused on raising the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.Since the introduction of Pupil Premium in 2011, the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers generally narrowed until 2019, before the disruption to education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the widening of the gap. The Department is committed to helping schools achieve the best possible outcomes for this funding by ensuring approaches are rooted in evidence of effective practice. The Department constantly reviews and assesses the effectiveness of the Pupil Premium to make sure it is supporting pupils facing the most disadvantage.

Schools: Heating

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of electric heaters bought for use in schools since 2019.

Nick Gibb: The information requested is not held centrally. The Department does not buy centrally on behalf of schools, so does not hold the information about the number of electric heaters that have been bought since 2019. Schools are autonomous and have the freedom to make their own buying decisions based on individual needs and circumstances.More information on buying guidance and procedures for schools is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/buying-procedures-and-procurement-law-for-schools.

Schools: Energy

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools have been retro-fitted to improve energy efficiency since 2019.

Nick Gibb: Local authorities and other responsible bodies carry out regular improvement works at schools across the country. The Department does not hold central records of all these individual projects. Since 2019 the Condition Improvement Fund has provided funding for 5,036 projects at eligible schools and sixth form colleges.In addition to this, between 1 January 2019 and 1 October 2022, 230 schools were rebuilt or significantly refurbished under the Priority School Building Programme, a Department funded and delivered school building condition improvement programme. All projects adhered to the Department’s design specification for schools and improved their energy efficiency.

Children in Care: Personal Records

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing local authorities to (a) submit more than one need as a reason for why a child is being looked after in their SSDA03 data returns and (b) include housing and homelessness as one of those reasons.

Claire Coutinho: Data on reasons for the primary need of a child starting to be looked after is currently collected using an established code set for ‘primary need’ which is set out in the collection guide. Children looked after who were previously living with their family, but were homeless, are counted within the category ‘Family in acute stress’. The latest children looked after data collection guide is published online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/children-looked-after-return-guide-to-submitting-data. The primary need categories defined in the department’s data collection are not intended to be exhaustive, and housing and homelessness is not a specific category. However, all potential risk factors are taken into consideration when assessing the needs of a child and how they might best be supported.More detailed information on the needs and additional assessment factors used for children who are assessed by children’s social care are collected within the annual Children in Need census. The latest guide can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/children-in-need-census.

Adoption

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support is provided to birth parents going through the adoption process.

Claire Coutinho: The Adoption Agencies Regulations 2005 set out what support adoption agencies must offer birth parents. This includes counselling and information about the implications of adoption and an assessment of birth parents’ support needs, if they request this. Agencies must also discuss future contact so that this can be considered by the court on any application for a placement or adoption order, and must also ask about birth parents’ wishes regarding the religion and culture of their child should the child go to live with adopters.Regional Adoption Agency leaders have recently set up a Birth Parent Reference Group, which meets regularly to ensure that the voices of birth families are being heard and considered in the development of adoption services nationally.

Childcare: Barnsley Central

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has made an estimate of the affordability of childcare provision in Barnsley Central.

Claire Coutinho: The department is committed to improving the cost, choice, and availability of childcare. We continue to look at ways to make childcare more affordable and to encourage families to use the government-funded support they are entitled to.The department collects data on the main characteristics of childcare and early years provision in England, and fees data can be broken down to local authority level. Barnsley Central, which falls under Barnsley local authority, shows latest data on the average hourly fee band for childcare to be £4.75 for two-year-old children and £4.75 for three and four-year-old children.

Childcare: Wirral West

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has made an estimate of the sufficiency of childcare provision in Wirral West constituency.

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has made an estimate of the affordability of childcare provision in Wirral West constituency.

Claire Coutinho: The department continues to monitor the sufficiency of childcare. The key measure of sufficiency is whether the supply of available places is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents and children. Ofsted data currently shows that the number of places offered by providers on the Early Years Register has remained broadly stable at 1.3 million places since August 2015. This data can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/childcare-providers-and-inspections-as-at-31-march-2022/main-findings-childcare-providers-and-inspections-as-at-31-march-2022.Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area. The parliamentary constituency of Wirral West is in the local authority of Wirral. At present, all local authorities, including Wirral, report that they are fulfilling their duty to ensure sufficient childcare.The department is committed to improving the cost, choice, and availability of childcare. We continue to look at ways to make childcare more affordable and to encourage families to use the government-funded support they are entitled to.The department collects data on the main characteristics of childcare and early years provision in England and fees data can be broken down to local authority level. The latest data shows the average hourly fee band for childcare in Wirral to be £5.00 for two-year-old children and £4.75 for three and four-year-old children.

Ministry of Justice

Domestic Abuse: Victims

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps with the Secretary of State for the Home Department to provide financial support to victims of (a) domestic and (b) financial abuse who (i) cannot access assets shared with an abuse perpetrator and (ii) is not entitled to legal aid.

Mike Freer: The Government is committed to ensuring that all victims of domestic abuse receive the support they need. We know that economic abuse can often leave victims economically dependent on abusers, creating financial insecurity that makes it harder for them to access safety. The Government is determined to tackle this form of abuse, which is why for the first time in history, economic abuse is now recognised in law as part of the statutory definition of domestic abuse, included in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.On 30 March 2022 we published the cross-Government Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan which seeks to prevent offending, support victims and pursue perpetrators, as well as strengthen the systems and processes in place needed to deliver these goals. The Plan invests over £230 million into tackling domestic abuse, which includes over £140 million to support victims. The Government funds organisations which raise awareness of economic abuse and support victims, and we are doubling funding to a minimum of £200,000, to continue supporting this important work.Since 2020/21, the Ministry of Justice has provided £800k funding per year to the FLOWS project, run by RCJ Advice, who provide free legal support to victims of domestic abuse who wish to apply for an emergency protective order from the courts. The funding is used to provide a helpline and email service for domestic abuse victims, where they can be referred to a legal aid solicitor to assist them with making their application or can receive free advice directly from FLOWS legal team if they are ineligible for legal aid. The funding is also used by FLOWS to further develop their CourtNav digital tool, which aims to make it easier for unrepresented victims to apply for a non-molestation order.We have also increased funding for victim and witness support services to £192 million a year by 2024/25. This represents an uplift of 92% on core budgets in 2020/21 and is more than quadruple the level in 2009/10 (£41m). Of this budget, a minimum of £460 million over three years has been committed to allow victim support services, and those commissioning them, to build resilience into services ensuring consistency in the support that victims receive and will ensure that high quality support is available to victims when needed.We are using additional ringfenced funding to increase the number of Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Advisors by 300 to over 1000 by 2024/25 - a 43% increase on the number of these roles over the next three years.The MoJ published the Legal Aid Means Test Review in March 2022, consulting on a suite of changes including significant increases to the income and capital thresholds for legal aid eligibility, for both criminal and civil legal aid, and the removal of the means test in some types of cases. The proposals specifically considered the experiences of domestic abuse victims, and as far as possible, revisited the existing rationales for our approach in relation to them and further developed these where appropriate. The consultation has now closed, and we are considering the policy proposals, including those that will benefit domestic abuse victims. We plan to publish our response to the consultation in due course.

Social Security and Child Support Tribunal

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the National Audit Office's Department for Work and Pensions Departmental Overview 2021-22, published in October 2022, if he will make an assessment of the reasons for the number of cases outstanding at the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal increased between 2021 and 2022.

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the National Audit Office's Department for Work and Pensions Departmental Overview 2021-22, if he will make an assessment of the reasons for the number of cases heard at the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal fell between 2017-18 and 2021-22.

Mike Freer: Information about waiting times for appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) (SSCS) is published at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics.The number of cases outstanding in SSCS on 31 March 2021 was 44,185; and on 31 March 2022 it was 47,713 - an increase of 3,528. Receipts for the year 2020/21 were 93,303; and for 2021/22 they were 95,008 - an increase of 1,705 - leaving a net increase of 1,823. A variety of factors can affect the number of cases cleared by the Tribunal including the complexity of the issue in dispute; the availability of panel members assigned to a particular venue; and if an appeal is adjourned (which may be directed by the judge for a variety of reasons, such as to seek further medical evidence). Any increase to the live load is monitored, and investigated, locally.The number of cases heard by SSCS fell between 2017/18 and 2021/22 alongside the reduction in appeal receipts.Year (April to March)ReceiptsDisposals2017/18238,803214,4782018/19195,506206,4022019/20162,101192,3522020/2193,303136,0802021/2295,00891,690

Administration of Justice: Wales

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make it his policy to implement the reforms to the Welsh justice system proposed in the Report of the Commission on Justice in Wales published in October 2019.

Mike Freer: Whilst the UK Government disagrees with the Commission’s principal recommendation that justice should be devolved to Wales, we are working with the Welsh Government to consider other recommendations that might be taken forward.

Department for International Trade

Energy Charter Treaty

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether her Department has received representations from (a) fossil fuel producers and (b) renewable energy producers on the Energy Charter Treaty.

Greg Hands: The Department for International Trade has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Australia: Security

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure the security of Australia in the context of China's military presence in the Solomon Islands.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: As set out in the Integrated Review (March 2021), the UK is committed to and strategically focussed on the Indo-Pacific. Our close partnership with Australia is an important part of this, and we regularly discuss Indo-Pacific collaboration at senior official and Ministerial levels. The UK also works with Solomon Islands and our other partners across the Pacific to support peace and prosperity for the region.

China: Sanctions

Alyn Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to implement individual sanctions against officials from (a) Hong Kong and (b) China who are complicit with violations of (i) human rights violations and (ii) civil and democratic rights.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The UK is clear that China remains in an ongoing state of non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Whilst we keep potential sanctions designations under close and regular review, it is not appropriate to speculate who may be designated in the future. To do so could reduce their impact.Under the UK's Global Human Rights sanctions regime, the UK has imposed asset freezes and travel bans against four Chinese Government officials as well as an asset freeze against one entity responsible for enforcing the repressive security policies across many areas of Xinjiang. We will continue to act with our likeminded partners to ensure that those responsible for gross human rights violations, both in China and across the globe, are held to account.

China: Embassies

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make a further assessment of the adequacy of the proposed site for the new Chinese Embassy at the Royal Mint Court following the events outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The apparent behaviour of Consulate-General officials during the incident in Manchester on 16 October, as it appears from the footage, is completely unacceptable. We await details of the police investigation. In the meantime, the UK Government has delivered clear messages to the Chinese Embassy in London and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing about the depth of our concern. If the police determine there are grounds to charge any officials, we would expect the Chinese consulate to waive immunity for those officials.A planning application for a new Chinese Embassy is currently before the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. As the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has a quasi-judicial role in the planning system, it would not be appropriate to comment on the merits of the proposal, as it could come before Ministers at some point in the future.

Ukraine: Power Stations

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to offer Ukraine assistance with power plants that have been destroyed by Russia.

Leo Docherty: The UK is a leading donor in support of Ukraine, with support totalling approximately £3.8 billion. To date, that assistance includes £22 million of support in the energy sector: £7 million for over 850 generators to ensure vital facilities, such as hospitals, have power; £10 million to the Energy Community's support fund to help Ukraine's efforts to repair infrastructure and reconnect households and key facilities to electricity and gas supply; and £5 million for safety and security equipment for the civil nuclear sector.

Colombia: Coca

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of reports that the UN Office on Drugs and Crime registered (a) a 43 percent increase in coca cultivation in Colombia in 2021 and (b) an estimated 1400 metric tons of cocaine production.

David Rutley: The UK's 10 year plan - 'From Harm to Hope' - explains how we propose to cut crime and save lives affected by drug criminality, including how we cooperate with international partners to achieve this. The latest increase in coca cultivation in Colombia has been noted, but the UK respects the right of Colombia's institutions to decide how best to tackle coca eradication. We continue to believe that a multi-pronged approach incorporating enforcement, supporting Colombian institutions to deliver the 2016 Peace Accords and sustainable economic alternatives provides the best long-term method of eradicating coca. Through our support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement we provide assistance for the Government's crop substitution programme and much of our other work in Colombia focuses on developing sustainable livelihoods for those living in conflict-affected areas.

Mexico: Organised Crime

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Mexican counterpart on reports that Mexican military intelligence documents made public by hacking group Guacamaya has revealed that one or multiple organised crime groups were operating in 72 percent of Mexican territory in the last year.

David Rutley: The UK Government regularly discusses the security situation with the Mexican Government at senior level, most recently in the former Minister for the America's meeting with the Ambassador of Mexico on 18 October. Organised crime groups in Mexico have proliferated in recent years and are geographically concentrated, which leads to their competing for territory and an increase in levels of violence in some areas. We assess that organised crime groups have been implicated in numerous killings, acting with impunity and at times in collusion with federal, state and local security officials. The UK has supported the Mexican Government's efforts to tackle the underlying security and justice issues as well as addressing impunity and corruption.

Israel: Palestinians

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the number of times Israeli forces raided schools in the West Bank in 2022; and what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the impact of these raids on education in the West Bank.

David Rutley: The UK is firmly committed to ensuring access to education for all Palestinians. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation. It is essential to have a strong and thriving Palestinian education system in order to provide opportunities, economic development and hope for the next generation.

Israel: Palestinians

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with UN OCHA on the number of Palestinian children reportedly (a) killed and (b) critically injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition in the West Bank in 2022.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Protection of Civilians Reports for the Occupied Palestinian Territory for 2022, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart about of the number of children reportedly injured by Israeli forces.

David Rutley: We regularly raise the issue of the numbers of Palestinians killed and injured by Israeli Defence Forces in the West Bank and Gaza with the Israeli authorities, encouraging them to carry out swift, transparent and thorough investigations and, if wrongdoing is found, that those responsible be held to account. We will continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly the need to protect children, and urge restraint in the use of live fire.

East Africa: Food Supply

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his East African counterparts on the hunger crisis in East Africa; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing £900 million of funding to the UN humanitarian appeals for (a) Ethiopia,(b)  Kenya, (c) Somalia and (d) South Sudan.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: In FY 2022/23 the UK intends to provide approximately £156 million in humanitarian aid across the region.The FCDO is prioritising spending that is vital to protect against immediate threat to life and wellbeing and spending that will prevent people falling into humanitarian need. As a priority we will prevent delays to accessing healthcare, primary education, sanitation and clean water. Ministers will make adjustments and final aid prioritisation decisions based on additional Official Development Assistance pressures this autumn.

Iran: Women's Rights

Sir Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the ongoing civil rights protests in Iran, what steps his Department is taking to support women's rights in that country.

David Rutley: Mahsa Amini's death is a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women in Iran. On 10 October, the UK sanctioned the Morality Police, two of its leaders and five others for serious human rights violations. For decades, the Morality Police have used the threat of detention and violence to control what Iranian women wear and their public behaviour. These sanctions send a clear message that the UK will hold Iran to account for its repression of women and girls. We continue to urge Iran to improve its human rights record at all appropriate opportunities, including on women and girls, and to work with international partners to ensure accountability.

Northern Ireland Protocol

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the potential contribution of agri-food businesses to food security in Northern Ireland is recognised in future negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Leo Docherty: The Government is engaging in constructive dialogue with the EU to find shared solutions to problems caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. The current technical discussions between UK and EU officials are a positive step forward however significant gaps remain between our positions.We have been clear that facilitating movement of agri-food goods between GB-NI is a critical issue to be addressed as part of any enduring solution on the Northern Ireland Protocol. It remains our preference to resolve this through talks - but the situation in NI is urgent, and we have therefore brought forward the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill to address these issues.

Russia: Ukraine

Mr Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to collaborate with international partners in response to the global cyber threat posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Leo Docherty: We have led the way alongside international partners to identify and expose malign Russian activity and to hold them to account in response to this hostile activity. The UK set up the Ukraine Cyber Programme shortly after Putin's invasion in February to protect against increased Russian cyber attacks. We mobilised an initial £6.35 million package to help protect Ukraine's critical national infrastructure and vital public services from cyber attacks. In May, we joined our international partners in calling out Russia's malicious attack on Viastat that impacted citizens across Europe. We will continue to collaborate internationally on cyber security and resilience, including responding to and deterring malicious cyber activities.

Arctic and Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review

Alyn Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with representatives from civil society organisations on the updated (a) Integrated Review and (b) Arctic Policy Framework.

Leo Docherty: The UK Government will make a decision on whether to proceed with updating the Integrated Review in due course. If we proceed, we will engage with external experts and wider stakeholders with an interest in our nation's security and prosperity as part of the process of updating the Integrated Review.FCDO officials have engaged with relevant experts and representatives from the Non-Government Organisation community as part of the development of a refreshed UK Arctic Policy Framework.

Arctic: Defence

Alyn Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Ministry of Defence paper entitled The UK's Defence Contribution in the High North published on 29 March 2022, when he plans to publish the UK's updated Arctic Policy Framework.

Leo Docherty: We are looking to publish an updated UK Arctic Policy Framework later this year.

Kashmir: Human Rights

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Kashmir; and what steps he is taking to ensure all international agreements are upheld by India and Pakistan.

Leo Docherty: We recognise that there are issues with human rights in both India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuse must be investigated thoroughly and transparently. We have raised these matters with both the Governments of India and Pakistan.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Gambling

Kim Leadbeater: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help reduce the risk of members of the armed forces developing gambling disorders.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes problem-gambling seriously. We provide financial awareness training for our people so that they are enabled to make informed financial decisions. Defence also offers welfare support to those who are adversely affected by problem-gambling, which can include signposting to specialist support organisations such as the NHS Problem Gambling Clinic. Defence has also established a team to consider appropriate responses to addictions, including problem-gambling, under the remit of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which was published in June 2022. This team is commissioning a new gambling awareness and harm reduction service, due to start in April 2023, further developing our understanding of problem-gambling in the Armed Forces by supporting high quality academic research, engaging across government with policy experts from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, and developing additional appropriate clinical treatment pathways that will be delivered by Defence Primary Healthcare teams. Defence also blocks gambling websites on its networks in order to reduce their accessibility.

Armed Forces: Huntington’s Disease

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether people at risk of Huntington’s disease are able to serve in the armed forces without the need to provide a negative predictive test upon recruitment.

Dr Andrew Murrison: The genetics of Huntington's disease are complex and the likelihood of an Armed Forces candidate developing the disease and the likely age of presentation are dependent on the number of gene repeats. In some cases it is possible to predict these with a high level of certainty, based either on genetic testing of immediate relatives or of the candidate themselves.Candidates known to be carriers of the gene associated with Huntington's disease are normally graded medically unfit for service. Candidates with a proven, immediate family history of this condition are also normally graded medically unfit unless known not to carry the gene.If there is clear evidence that a candidate is unlikely to develop Huntington's disease during a Service career then they may, on a case by case basis, be considered medical fit for service. It is for the candidate to provide this evidence, which must be supported by an appropriately qualified and experienced specialist.

Boxer Vehicles

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there have been delays to the delivery of Boxer.

Alex Chalk: UK Boxer Production is underway. Global supply chain pressures, which are not unique to defence, remain a risk to the programme. Whilst this has caused some early production delay, we remain confident that vehicles will be in the hands of the user from 2023 onwards en route to meeting the approved Initial Operating Capability of 2025.

Boxer Vehicles

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is on track to receive the first Boxer vehicles in 2023.

Alex Chalk: We are on track to receive the first Boxer vehicles from 2023.

Boxer Vehicles

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects Boxer to reach Initial Operating Capability.

Alex Chalk: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 17 October 2022 to Question 59082 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Mark Francois). Boxer Vehicles: Procurement (docx, 16.5KB)

Warrior Armoured Vehicle

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contingency plans he has made if no replacement for Warrior is ready when it is retired in 2025.

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department still intends to retire Warrior in 2025.

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what impact the retirement of Warrior will have on the capabilities of the Armed Forces.

Alex Chalk: Under Future Soldier and the Land Industrial Strategy, the Army is conducting widespread modernisation of its capabilities in order to maintain its operational outputs and to contribute to the defence, security and prosperity of the nation. The intent remains to withdraw Warrior from service from 2025. Current capabilities, which include Warrior, will remain effective until new concepts and capabilities are introduced into service throughout the decade.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the 26 armoured vehicles delivered to the Army.

Alex Chalk: The Department has received 26 vehicles at Capability Drop 1 standard. Whilst these vehicles are, as intended, adequate for training and familiarisation, they remain under limited use while we work to resolve the noise and vibration issues with General Dynamics.

A400M Aircraft: Costs

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the cost to the public purse of an A400M Atlas aircraft per flying hour.

James Heappey: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke) on 21 October 2022 to Question 63930.A400M Aircraft: Costs (docx, 21.0KB)

Veterans: Official Secrets

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to publicise the continuing obligations of discharged service personnel under the Official Secrets Act.

James Heappey: Obligations to the Official Secret Acts is lifelong and Personnel are reminded of this upon their departure from Defence. Ministry of Defence (MOD) works with Defence Industry to ensure that these reminders continue for those personnel that seek future employment in the private sector.In relation to the recent threat alert regarding the threat alert on RAF pilots being recruited to train Chinese fighter pilots, we have no evidence that anyone has breached the high threshold of the OSA, but if any evidence were to be forthcoming, we would not hesitate to bring criminal charges. The Department takes this matter extremely seriously and are actively taking measures to deter future recruitment. We are engaging with the individuals already involved to ensure they are fully aware of the risk of prosecution under the Officials Secrets Act.In cases where the MOD has identified personnel who may be tempted by the offer, we have undertaken a range of measures to remind them of their obligations under the Official Secrets Act, as well as taking action to mitigate any potential damage. By going public, we want to encourage increased reporting of any approaches and to deter anyone who may be considering an offer. Current serving personnel are also being given unequivocal advice about the unacceptability of such activity.Additionally, we have issued an alert to the UK Defence Industry to make them aware, requesting that they communicate the threat to their personnel, to ensure that the alert is as widely disseminated as possible to any potential recruitment targets.

Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what armed forces resources he has allocated to tackle small boats crossings the English Channel.

James Heappey: Since military primacy commenced in April 2022, Defence has made available one River class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), six P2000 Archer class fast inshore patrol craft, three rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) and one Wildcat helicopter. On average approximately 180 personnel have been engaged in managing small boat crossings under Operation ISOTROPE at any one time. Not all of these assets have been needed at all times and threats to the UK's maritime EEZ have always been regarded as a higher priority.

Azerbaijan: Armed Forces

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any UK military personnel were in Azerbaijan in the period between 10 and 13 May 2022.

James Heappey: Three UK military personnel were in Azerbaijan between 10-13 May 2022 exploring defence cooperation opportunities. Our non-resident Deputy Defence Attaché was also in Azerbaijan over this period.

Russia: Military Aircraft

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many instances of Russian jets entering the airspace of Estonia without authorisation have occurred each month since 2019.

James Heappey: The Ministry of Defence does not collect data on the number of incursions into Estonian airspace by Russian aircraft. However, according to information provided by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there were three incursions in 2019; two in 2020; five in 2021; and three up to 31 October 2022.

China: Armed Forces

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 19 October to Question 66920 on China: Armed Forces, what guidance his Department provides to (a) serving and (b) retired pilots on advisory roles with the armed forces of China.

James Heappey: The Ministry of Defence disapproves of this activity and strongly dissuades current and former serving personnel from engaging with it. Where we have identified personnel who may be tempted by the offer, we have undertaken a range of measures to remind them of their obligations under the official secrets act.We are issuing threat guidance to personnel at risk of being approached. We are reminding personnel of their obligations to protect sensitive information acquired during their tenure as crown or civil servants; we will be looking at options to tighten the contractual obligations of Service leavers. We are also encouraging the reporting of any recruitment activity targeting pilots or any other specialist area of Defence. The alert has been issued to relevant personnel across Defence, including to partners in Defence industry. We are also actively sharing information with key allies.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to allow Universal Credit claimants who report to her Department that their circumstances have changed from self-employed to employed to continue claiming the rate awarded previously during the review period.

Guy Opperman: We have no plans to change this policy.

Social Security and Child Support Tribunal

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the costs to her Department relating to appeals to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal were for each financial year from 2010-11.

Guy Opperman: The only DWP staff who attend these Tribunals are Presenting Officers. Their Costings are as below: 2013-142014-152015-162016-17 £3.69m£5.18m£4.45m£5.42m 2017/182018/192019/202020/212021/22£7.93m£7.16m£6.47m£1.45m£5.77m  Cost figures are rounded to the nearest £0.1mData Source: ABM The cost figures quoted are estimated DWP level 1 operating costs, including both direct delivery staff and non-staff costs. Non-staff costs are only those costs incurred in local cost centres, relating to direct delivery staff. Costs provided are for Presenting Officers only and excludes Admin Support or Decision Making operational staff dealing with the Appeals processing work. Child Maintenance Group figures include Enforcement Presenting Officers. Please note that the data supplied is from the Departmental Activity Based Models. This data is derived from unpublished management information, which was collected for internal Departmental use only, and has not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics publication standards. It should therefore be treated with caution. The Departmental Activity Based staffing models are a snapshot of how many people were identified as undertaking specified activities as assigned by line managers. The data is frequently revised and changes to definitions / benefits / DWP structure effect comparisons over time. It should therefore be treated with caution and must be seen as an indication of cost, rather than the actual cost. 2020/21 figures impacted by COVID

Universal Credit: Veterans

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 27 September 2022 to Question 47343 on Universal Credit: Veterans, how many Universal Credit claimants have been identified as (a) serving and (b) having previously served in the Armed Forces for the assessment periods ending in August 2022.

Guy Opperman: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) started collecting data on the Armed Forces status of Universal Credit (UC) claimants in Great Britain (GB) in April 2021. Further information on the caseload definition used for the UC official statistics can be found on Stat-Xplore: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ GB UC caseload by recorded Armed Forces status UC caseload MonthProportion of caseload with a recorded statusCurrently servingServed in the pastNot servedPrefer not to sayAugust 202253%3,20040,1002,912,50021,800 Notes: 1. Data is not collected on the Armed Forces status of UC claimants in Northern Ireland. The figures provided only relate to Great Britain.2. Percentages are rounded to the nearest percent and numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.3. Figures may be subject to retrospective changes as more up-to-date data becomes available or if methodological improvements are made.4. The figures above differ from those previously provided because methodological improvements mean it is no longer necessary to restrict analysis to claimants with UC assessment periods ending in a given month. Instead, the figures have been provided on a basis that is consistent with the caseload definition that is used for the UC official statistics.5. Further information on the caseload definition used for the UC official statistics can be found on Stat-Xplore: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/

Social Security and Child Support Tribunal: Appeals

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help reduce the number of cases in which the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal finds in favour of the claimant following an appeal against a (a) benefit and (b) child maintenance decision.

Mims Davies: The aim is to make the right decision as early as possible in the claim journey. We are constantly looking to improve our processes and learn from tribunal outcomes. We have made improvements to our decision-making process to ensure that we not only gather all material evidence as early as possible but more that we carefully consider that evidence so that we identify the key facts that inform the decision made. Tribunals are independent and in considering the same evidence directly with the claimant, may obtain a different perspective and thereby reach a different conclusion. In relation to Child Maintenance decision making there is an accuracy strategy which has consistently delivered low levels of error (less than 1% of monetary value) as reported by NAO. This is aided by a proactive approach at the Mandatory Reconsideration stage where both parties are invited to submit further evidence, to help ensure we make the right decision.We will continue to make improvements to our decision-making processes to help ensure that more people get the correct decision earlier in their claim journey.

Local Housing Allowance: Nottingham East

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that Local Housing Allowance rates increase in line with rents in Nottingham East constituency.

Mims Davies: The Secretary of State reviews Local Housing Allowance rates annually.In April 2020 Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates were increased to the 30th percentile of local rents. This investment of nearly £1 billion provided 1.5 million claimants with an average £600 more housing support in 2020/21 than they would otherwise have received.LHA rates have been maintained at their increased levels since then, so that everyone who benefitted from the increase will continue to do so.For those who require additional support with housing costs, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) are available from local authorities. Since 2011 we have provided almost £1.5 billion in DHPs.

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the under-occupancy penalty on those receiving housing benefit payments in the context of the cost of living crisis.

Mims Davies: For 2021/22, a total of £434m worth of deductions were made for the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy (RSRS) in Great Britain. This includes households on Universal Credit and Housing Benefit. No wider assessment has been made. The RSRS policy allows for the provision of an additional bedroom in certain circumstances such as disabled people and carers, foster carers, and parents of service personnel. Additionally, those in receipt of pension age housing benefit are exempt. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP’s) are available for those who need additional support with housing costs. Since 2011 we have provided almost £1.5billion in DHP’s to local authorities. The Government announced over £37bn of cost of living support earlier this year which includes an extension to the Household Support Fund backed by £421m, running from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023. This is in addition to the energy bill support announced in September.

Housing Benefit

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, If she will bring the taper rate for Housing Benefit in line with the Universal Credit taper rate.

Mims Davies: There are currently no plans to amend the taper rate in Housing Benefit.

Department for Work and Pensions: Location

Florence Eshalomi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what payments were made to civil servants in her Department for relocation costs to government offices outside London in 2021

Mims Davies: No re-location costs were paid to staff for moves from London to other locations during 2021.

Universal Credit: Young People

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect of the lower rate of Universal Credit for claimants aged under 25 on the ability of young people living independently to meet essential living costs.

Guy Opperman: No such assessment has been made.

Social Security Benefits: Uprating

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of not uprating benefits in line with inflation in on people living with cancer.

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of uprating benefits in line with earnings instead of inflation on people living with cancer.

Guy Opperman: The Secretary of State is conducting his statutory annual review of State Pensions and benefits rates. The outcome of that review will be announced shortly.

Employment: Disability

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help enable disabled people with fluctuating medical conditions to find suitable work which matches their skills and offers flexible work arrangements in line with their personal circumstances.

Tom Pursglove: A range of Government initiatives are supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, including fluctuating medical conditions, to start, stay and succeed in work. These include: increasing Work Coach support nationally for people with health conditions receiving Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance; Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres offering advice and expertise on how to help disabled people into work; the Work and Health Programme and Intensive Personalised Employment Support, providing tailored and personalised support for participants; Access to Work; Disability Confident; and support in partnership with the health system, including Employment Advice in NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services. We are spending £1.3bn in employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions over the next three years. The Government recognises the benefits of flexible working arrangements and is committed to supporting all individuals and businesses to work flexibly. Since 2014, all employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service have the statutory right to request a change to the hours, timing, or location of their work. The framework is clear that a request to work flexibly can only be rejected where there are sound business reasons for doing so – and those business reasons are set out in law. Last year, the Government took forward a manifesto commitment to consult on making changes to the right to request flexible working a ‘day one’ right and whether the business reasons for refusing requests remain valid. The Government response will be published in due course.

Employment: Menopause

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of the number of health and safety representatives in a workplace on the level of support provided to menopausal employees.

Tom Pursglove: All employers have a legal duty to consult and involve their employees on health and safety matters. For businesses that recognise trade unions, this legal duty will apply under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (as amended) and for non-unionised businesses it will apply under the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 (as amended). Both sets of regulations provide a legal framework for employers, trade unions and employees to reach agreement on arrangements for health and safety representatives and health and safety committees to operate in their workplace. The regulations do not determine how many safety representatives should be appointed, as this will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of the business and the number of employees.

Social Security Benefits

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent steps his Department has taken to help ensure that people with a deteriorating condition (a) have the right level of social security support and (b) do not experience delays for the (i) assessment and (ii) processing of their claims.

Tom Pursglove: The department is committed to assessing people as quickly as possible, in order that they receive the benefit and support they are entitled to in a timely manner.With all of our disability benefits, Personal Independence Payment, Employment Support Allowance and Industrial Injuries Disability Benefits, where a claimants’ needs arising from a long-term health condition or disability have changed, they should report that change to the department. Once a change in circumstances has been reported, we will always review their existing award to see whether a change is required to their award to reflect their current needs.We work continuously with providers to drive improvements to overall processing times. As part of the department’s response to the pandemic we introduced telephone and video assessments, and they continue to be delivered alongside face-to-face and paper-based assessments.The department is always looking at ways to improve the assessment process and continues to work with all the assessment providers to maximise the number of assessments completed.

Disability

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help ensure that his Department's processes are respectful of the (a) physical and (b) psychological challenges faced by people with disabilities; and what steps he is taking to ensure that those processes do not exacerbate the effect of those challenges for people with disabilities.

Tom Pursglove: It is important that all claimants are able to access our services and that they do not face obstacles in applying for a benefit and in communicating with the department and its providers. We have a variety of reasonable adjustments to make the claims process and communications easier, where required by customers. Claimants with a severe mental health or behavioural condition, learning disability, developmental disorder, or cognitive problems, who may have difficulty engaging with the claims process, and with no support network in place, can be provided with additional support during the claims process if they need it. This support can include help filling in the form or the questionnaire and additional protections for failing to return the questionnaire or for failing to attend a face-to-face assessment. With regard to Personal Independence Payments (PIP): It is important that all of our claimants are able to access our services and that they do not face obstacles in applying and communicating with the Department and its providers. We have a variety of reasonable adjustments to make the claims process and communications easier for some of our most vulnerable customers.  The Video Relay Service for those with a hearing impairment and who use British Sign Language (BSL).Relay UK which provides a service if a claimant cannot hear or speak on the telephone.Dial-in for a third party on phone calls.A digital PIP2 and evidence upload function, making the form more accessible for those using accessibility software, and making it possible to claim for PIP without leaving the home, for those shielding or with mobility issues.Email as a reasonable adjustment.Home visits from the DWP Visiting Service, including a sign language interpreter to be present if one is needed.Rewording of the PIP2 questionnaire to improve clarity on how the activities apply to cognitive and mental health conditions.Telephone and video assessments in addition to paper-based and face-to-face assessments.Recording of telephone assessments and extending that to video assessments.

State Retirement Pensions

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to make a statement on the Government's position on the triple-lock pension.

Laura Trott: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is currently conducting his statutory annual review of State Pension and benefit rates. We cannot pre-empt the outcome of that review, which will be announced in due course. Our priority is to protect the most vulnerable, including those who cannot increase their earnings through work, such as pensioners who are in a unique position.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to employ clinical specialists to assess people with (a) neurological conditions and (b) other complex conditions to make social security assessments.

Tom Pursglove: The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are functional assessments which consider the effects of a health condition or impairment on a person’s functional ability, rather than focusing solely on the health condition or impairment itself. The department does not believe it is necessary for the provider to employ health professionals (HPs) who are specialists in the specific conditions or impairments of the individuals they are assessing. Instead, assessment providers are required to ensure that all WCA and PIP HPs are trained to become experts in disability analysis, with knowledge of the clinical aspects and overall functional effects of a wide range of health conditions and impairments. Additionally, HPs complete training on neurological and complex conditions and have access to a range of resources to research any conditions presented. The department is committed to improving its services and works continuously with providers to improve the assessment process. The ‘Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper,’ explored how the welfare system can better meet the needs of claimants now and in the future. We are considering all the responses to the green paper proposals and what future policy changes might look like. These will be set out in the white paper in the coming months.

Personal Independence Payment

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reviewing the Personal Independence Payment application process.

Tom Pursglove: The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application process is kept under continual review to ensure it meets the needs of claimants and helps the department reach an accurate assessment of an individual’s entitlement. Since PIP was introduced, we have introduced a range of accessibility improvements, such as the Video Relay Service and Relay UK, improved the clarity of the PIP2 questionnaire to make it easier to complete, expanded the assessment methods to include video and telephone, and introduced recording by request for telephone and face-to-face appointments. Claimants are also kept informed and updated at each stage of the application process, including through our improved text message service. The Health Transformation Programme is further transforming the PIP service. The programme is introducing a digital end-to-end PIP service, with the initial offering being an online application, which eventually will be available as self-service from gov.uk. Small-scale testing of the online apply service began in January 2022; we will gradually expand and improve our approach. We published Shaping Future Support: The Health and Disability Green Paper last year. This asked for views on ways we can improve people’s experience of the health and disability benefits system and set out ways we could make our services easier to access, make our processes simpler and help build people’s trust. We received over 4,500 responses to the Health and Disability Green Paper consultation and will respond with a White Paper in the coming months.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Sewage: Storage

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how Ofwat and the Environment Agency establish whether wastewater treatment works have sufficient temporary storm storage to prevent unnecessary discharges of raw sewage.

Rebecca Pow: At some sewage treatment works, where the permitted treatment capacity may be exceeded due to rainfall, storm tanks form part of the treatment process to limit spills of storm sewage (mixture of sewage and rainfall) to the water environment. These discharges are permitted by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Permitting Regulations. The permit conditions typically define the assets that control the storm tanks’ performance, for example: Storage volumeEnvironment.ScreeningMonitoring for event duration (how often and how long the storm overflows operate)Reporting Permits also include a management system condition that requires the water to have a written management system that identifies and minimises risk of pollution, so far as is reasonably practicable, along with reporting and notification conditions. The Environment Agency then undertakes compliance assessments for the permits and the conditions they include. These assessments can include the use of monitoring data, reports provided by the water companies and inspections of the sewage treatment works themselves.

Sewage: Waste Disposal

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the requirements under sections 141A to 141D of the Environment Act 2021 for annual reports on storm overflows, when he expects the next reports to be published.

Rebecca Pow: Section 80 of the Environment Act 2021, which came into force in January this year, inserted sections 141A to 141E into the Water Industry Act 1991. Section 141A places a duty on HM Government to publish a plan to reduce sewage discharges and their impact. This plan has now been published, setting strict new targets for water companies that will make sure the ecology of our waterbodies is protected for generations to come. Our plan will require water companies to deliver the largest infrastructure programme in water company history - £56 billion capital investment over 25 years. Under Section 141B HM Government must publish a progress report 3 years following the publication of the Plan, and every 5 years thereafter. The first progress report will be published in 2025. Section 141C sets out a duty on water companies to publish annual reports on discharges from storm overflows. Water companies are required to publish their annual reports relating to sewage discharge data from 2022 by 1st April 2023. Under Section 141D the Environment Agency is also required to publish annual reports in relation to the operation of storm overflows in England, by 1st April each year. The most recent report was published on 31st March 2022, and updated on the 14th May 2022. The next report relating to discharge data from 2022 will be published by 1st April 2023.

Electronic Cigarettes: Waste

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the impact of single use vapes on waste levels in England.

Rebecca Pow: The Department has not undertaken an assessment of the environmental impact of disposable vapes in the UK, including on waste levels.

Sewage: Storage

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the capacity is of temporary storm storage tanks at each sewage treatment works in England.

Rebecca Pow: At some sewage treatment works, where the permitted treatment capacity may be exceeded due to rainfall, storm tanks form part of the treatment process to limit spills of storm sewage (mixture of sewage and rainfall) to the water environment. These discharges are permitted by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.The requirement for storm tanks is that they must settle out solids and have a minimum capacity of 68litres/head served or a storage equivalent of 2 hours at the maximum flow rate to the storm tanks.There are over 2,000 storm tanks at sewage treatment works. The required capacity of the storm tank is included within the permit, along with other requirements such as monitoring and reporting.

Sewage: Southampton

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to help prevent the discharge of raw sewage into (a) the River Itchen and (b) other waters near Southampton.

Rebecca Pow: We have been clear that the failure of water companies to adequately reduce sewage discharges is totally unacceptable. Our recently launched Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan will require water companies to deliver the largest infrastructure programme in water company history - £56 billion capital investment over 25 years. Our plan will protect biodiversity, the ecology of our rivers and seas, and the public health of our water users for generations to come. Robust enforcement action against illegal breaches of storm overflow permits is taken. Since 2015, the Environment Agency has brought 54 prosecutions against water companies, securing fines of almost £140million. This includes a £90million fine imposed on Southern Water last year. Following regulatory intervention by the Environment Agency, Southern Water were required to commission and construct a new sewage treatment works at Woolston. This sewage treatment works became operational in June 2018 and serves almost 70,000 people in and around Southampton. The sewage treatment works has successfully improved water quality in the lower river Itchen, and Southampton.

Sewage

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many sewage treatment works are operated by each water company in England; and how many of these have temporary storm storage tanks with sufficient capacity to prevent overloading of the treatment works.

Rebecca Pow: At some sewage treatment works, where the permitted treatment capacity may be exceeded due to rainfall, storm tanks form part of the treatment process to limit spills of storm sewage (mixture of sewage and rainfall) to the water environment. These discharges are permitted by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Permitting Regulations. The number of sewage treatment works and permitted storm tanks at sewage treatment works for each water and sewerage company in England are set out in the table below: Name of Water CompanyNumber of Sewage Treatment Works1Number of Storm Tanks at Sewage Treatment Works2Anglian1120363Northumbrian358121Severn Trent975372South West Water628163Southern382181Thames379235United Utilities562187Wessex397189Yorkshire594177Welsh Water (England)10419Information from the Environment Agency Water Information Management SystemInformation from the Event Duration Monitoring – storm overflow – annual returns published by the Environment Agency Event Duration Monitoring - Storm Overflows - Annual Returns - data.gov.ukThe requirement for storm tanks is that they must settle out solids and have a minimum capacity of 68litres/head served or a storage equivalent of 2 hours at the maximum flow rate to the storm tanks. In the current water company investment programme for the period 2020 to 2025 there are 534 sewage treatment works where there will be upgrades to storm tanks to meet the requirements. Information on these upgrades from the published Environment Agency Water Industry National Environment Programme is summarised in the table below: Name of Water CompanyNumber of Storm Tank ImprovementsAnglian217Northumbrian24Severn Trent39South West Water74SouthernNot AvailableThames64United Utilities4Wessex31Yorkshire69Welsh Water (England)12

Deposit Return Schemes

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Deposit Return Scheme will commence.

Rebecca Pow: Further details on when a Deposit Return Scheme will be introduced will be set out in the Government response to the 2021 consultation. We are working towards publication in late 2022.

Solid Fuels: Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he will publish the results of his Department’s study to measure pollutant emissions from burning solid fuels in a range of domestic appliances under real-world conditions.

Rebecca Pow: The project is currently expected to run until August 2023, after which a project report will be published. The Emissions Factors for Domestic Combustion project aims to develop our understanding of real-word emissions from solid fuel burning in domestic stoves. It is likely that this information and the results of other improvement projects will feed into the formal inventory in future years. The methodologies used to compile the formal inventory follow (or go beyond) the international guidance specified in the latest EMEP/EEA Guidebook. We publish the methods we use in the Informative Inventory Report and methods document ('Methods and quality processes for UK air pollutant emissions statistics') on an annual basis.

Chemicals: Health Hazards

Bim Afolami: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to ensure a cross government approach on chemicals management which involves a commitment to (a) reducing exposure in the general population and (a) acknowledging the links between chemical exposure in the population and increased cancer risk.

Rebecca Pow: Our goal is to protect human health and the environment while enabling economic growth through managing the production, use and disposal of chemicals. We already have robust systems to identify the impact of chemicals, and to regulate them. We are currently developing our approach further to build on the commitment in the 25 Year Environment Plan to set out our strategy to tackling chemicals of concern and to significantly reduce the levels of harmful chemicals entering the environment. Defra continues to work closely with other government departments, arms-length bodies, and the Devolved Administrations to ensure a joined-up and UK-wide approach. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) plays a key role in protecting against and reducing exposure to chemical and environmental hazards thereby preventing cancer from exposure to chemicals. The primary focus of UKHSA’s work is on hazard characterisation and risk assessment including:research into the potential human health effects including carcinogenic properties of fibre and particles, biocides, volatile organic plus other chemicals used in consumer products or present in the environment.biomonitoring to determine the overall exposure to man-made and natural chemicals which is essential to evaluate risk.advising Defra, the Health and Safety Executive and other Government departments on the human health effects of chemicals in respect of their public health risks.

Chemicals: Health Hazards

Bim Afolami: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to introduce hazard-based protection measures for reducing exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals; and if he will amend the classification, labelling and packaging regulations to introduce new hazard classes on endocrine disruptors and suspected endocrine disruptors.

Rebecca Pow: The issue of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which have been linked to numerous human health and wildlife impacts, is scientifically complex. There is uncertainty surrounding the effects of EDC exposure from both an environmental and human health perspective, and we are contributing to international efforts to address the evidence gaps. We are considering the evidence available and drawing on a range of expertise with the aim of improving testing and identification of EDCs and assessing measures to further understand and manage the risks they pose. The identification of intrinsic chemical hazards is a principal requirement of the classification, labelling and packaging regulation (CLP). The hazard classes in CLP cover physical, human health and environmental hazards. Endocrine disrupting properties are not captured by a specific CLP hazard class because they are a result of a mode of action rather than an intrinsic hazardous property. However, chemicals with human health endocrine disrupting properties are effectively covered in CLP by the closely related CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction) hazard classes. The hazard classification of a chemical is often used as a starting point for specific controls or protective measures and is the basis for many regulatory and legislative provisions in the risk management of chemicals. Endocrine disrupting properties are specifically taken into account by the regulatory regimes covering the use of pesticides and biocides, where identification of such properties prompts specific control measures.

Wild Futures: Finance

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on supporting Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary in Looe Cornwall with rising monthly costs.

Rebecca Pow: The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) will provide a price reduction to ensure that all eligible businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. Non-domestic customers do not need to take action or apply to the scheme – support will automatically be applied to bills. The EBRS is available to all business, voluntary sector and public sector organisations which are:on existing fixed price contracts (agreed on or after 1 December 2021 irrespective if the contract has commenced before 1 October 2022)signing new fixed price contractson deemed/out of contract or variable tariffs, oron flexible purchase (or similar) contracts.

Chemicals: Health Hazards

Bim Afolami: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether UK authorities routinely monitor all scientific literature for studies that show deleterious effects of hazardous chemicals.

Rebecca Pow: The Environment Agency (EA) has developed a Prioritisation and Early Warning System (PEWS) for chemicals of emerging concern to ensure consideration of the potential risks of emerging chemicals including to surface waters (both freshwater and saline waters), groundwater and soils. The EA routinely monitors a sub-set of the scientific literature for determining which chemicals of emerging concern we should focus on as part of this work. The system allows the EA to sift and to screen any chemical substance nominated using, where available, hazard data and environmental monitoring data to prioritise whether a substance may be a possible chemical of concern in England.

Water: Southampton

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve water quality near Southampton.

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve water quality in the River Itchen.

Rebecca Pow: Protecting our rivers and water bodies is a top priority for HM Government. We are taking action to address pollution from a variety of sources to improve water quality.To tackle pollution to waterbodies from agriculture we have almost doubled the funding available for our Catchment Sensitive Farming programme over the next three years. Our new £30 million budget will expand the programme to cover 100% of farmland. We have also made extra budget available this year to the Environment Agency (EA) for 50 extra inspectors to be recruited in this financial year to visit farms posing a risk of water pollution and ensure action is taken.The EA is working specifically across Hampshire catchments with farmers and landowners to ensure they are compliant with Environmental Regulations. This includes work via the Agriculture Regulatory Taskforce (ART), funded by Defra, to tackle diffuse pollution. On farm visits, EA officers issue actions for farmers to reduce pollution risk and improve the environment.Chalk streams are both incredibly rare and a hugely important part of our environmental heritage. To protect the iconic chalk streams of the Test & Itchen, the EA is working with regional water resource planning groups to make sure these habitats are rightly prioritised, while delivering a resilient water supply to this growing area.To tackle water pollution from sewage discharges, we have recently published our Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan. Our Plan sets new strict targets on water companies to reduce sewage spills and will secure the largest infrastructure programme in water company history - £56 billion capital investment over 25 years.  Water companies are also required under the Environment Act to monitor the water quality impact up and downstream of all their assets. This monitoring data will be used by the EA to assess compliance with permits.

Deposit Return Schemes: Digital Technology

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to evaluate and trial Digital DRS technologies.

Rebecca Pow: Digital DRS is an approach to DRS that is in its infancy and is still being tested and trialled, and for that reason it is not the right time to commit to a full scale digital DRS. We do recognise the benefits of a digital model and remain interested in seeing the continued testing of the feasibility for introducing a digital scheme in the future.

Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he will publish the draft National Air Quality Strategy for consultation.

Rebecca Pow: The department is working at pace to deliver the draft National Air Quality Strategy.

Chemicals: EU Law

Bim Afolami: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether UK REACH will seek to maintain alignment with EU Chemicals Regulations (EU REACH) beyond 31 December 2023.

Rebecca Pow: UK REACH retains the fundamental approach and key principles of EU REACH, ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment. Having our own independent regulatory framework for chemicals allows us to identify the most pressing priorities which best reflect the specific circumstances in GB. The decisions we take are based on the best available evidence, including looking at approaches taken by chemical regimes across the world, including the EU.

Deposit Return Schemes

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is planning to introduce a Deposit Retention Scheme in the UK.

Rebecca Pow: In its 2019 manifesto, HM Government committed to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers to incentivise people to recycle more and to reduce littering of in-scope containers. HM Government has consulted twice on the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and further details will be set out in the Government response to the 2021 consultation. We are working towards publication of the Government response in late 2022.

Southern Water: Sewage

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with Southern Water on tackling the illegal discharge of untreated sewage into waterways.

Rebecca Pow: HM Government has been repeatedly clear that the current frequency of sewage discharges is unacceptable, and water companies must do much more to protect our environment. We will continue to work with water companies including Southern Water in the coming months to explore the acceleration of infrastructure projects to deliver the environmental improvements that we want to see. Southern were handed a record £90 million fine after pleading guilty to thousands of illegal discharges of sewage which polluted rivers and coastal waters in Kent, Hampshire and Sussex. The regulators (the Environment Agency and Ofwat) have also recently launched the largest criminal and civil investigations into water company sewage discharges ever, at over 2200 treatment works, following new data coming to light as a result of increased monitoring.  ​HM Government will not hesitate to use all options for robust enforcement action against breaches of storm overflow permits. We have also recently announced that we will bring forward plans to consult on increasing the amount the Environment Agency can directly fine water companies who pollute the environment by 1000-fold, from £250,000 up to £250million.

Greyhounds: Animal Welfare

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to reduce the number of deaths of dogs in greyhound racing.

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has taken steps to ensure care for racing greyhounds once those animals retire.

Rebecca Pow: Defra’s policy has been to work with the main industry regulatory body, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), to address welfare concerns about the care of greyhounds once they retire, as well as reducing the number of deaths of greyhounds. The GBGB has introduced initiatives such as the Injury Recovery Scheme which provides financial support to trainers to treat career-ending injuries to greyhounds where otherwise they might be put to sleep; and the Greyhound Retirement Scheme which attaches a £400 bond to each greyhound at the point of registration, paid for jointly by the owner and GBGB, in order to pay for rehoming costs at the end of a dog’s racing life. HM Government has welcomed these initiatives and the latest set of retirement and fatality figures published by GBGB in May this year, showed the lowest ever reported number of track fatalities (120 or 0.03% of total dog runs) and the percentage of dogs homed/retained at the end of their racing careers remaining at approximately 94% (some 6014 greyhounds out of 6373 that ceased GBGB racing in 2021). HM Government wants to see this progress continue.

Greyhound Racing

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of (a) the current state of and (b) regulation governing greyhound racing in the UK.

Rebecca Pow: The main regulations covering the welfare of racing greyhounds, the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010, along with their enforcement by the main industry regulatory body the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), were most recently reviewed in 2016. The review was undertaken by Defra with input from the House of Commons’ Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee (EFRA). The review found the 2010 Regulations had been effective, when assessed against their original objectives, in improving welfare standards at greyhound racing tracks in England and improving the traceability of greyhounds during their racing careers. GBGB is accredited by the UK Accreditation Service in relation to its greyhound racing track licensing and inspection processes.

Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish a technical modelling report on sources and contributions to total mass concentrations of fine particulate matters (PM2.5) in the UK in 2020.

Trudy Harrison: PM 2.5 source appointment in 2020 was detailed in the ' Technical report on UK supplementary modelling assessment under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 for 2020', published in March 2022.

Japanese Knotweed: Weed Control

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the spread of Japanese knotweed.

Mark Spencer: HM Government recognises the threats posed by invasive species, including Japanese knotweed, and has a comprehensive Great Britain Non-native Species Strategy designed to tackle these threats. Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to allow the plant to escape or cause it to grow in the wild. HM Government has developed guidance on how to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed and other harmful weeds, as well as how to treat and dispose of them, which can be found on GOV.UK:How to stop invasive non-native plants from spreading - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Defra also continues to fund biocontrol research to tackle Japanese knotweed. It is hoped that this will provide a cost and time effective way of managing this species. This research has identified the psyllid (a sap-sucking insect), Aphalari itadori, as a biological control agent for tackling Japanese Knotweed. Information about the research can be found on the Japanese Knotweed Alliance website. Local Action Groups, with support from HM Government, are actively involved in reducing and eradicating Japanese knotweed.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Communication

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much his Department has spent on (a) internal and (b) external communications in (i) 2016, (ii) 2017, (iii) 2018, (iv) 2019, (v) 2020, (vi) 2021 and (vii) 2022.

Mark Spencer: The information requested is not held centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate costs. Defra publishes details on spend on a monthly basis on GOV.UK as part of routine government transparency arrangements.

Environmental Land Management Schemes

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will provide a list of each organisation he and other Ministers in his Department have met with to discuss Environmental Land Management schemes since his appointment.

Mark Spencer: Ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings are published quarterly on GOV.UK for all Ministers.Defra: ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Environmental Land Management Schemes: Finance

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much money from the public purse has been spent on devising and implementing the Environmental Land Schemes in each of the last three years.

Mark Spencer: At this early stage in the Agricultural Transition, we need to dedicate more resource to the design and implementation of the Environmental Land Management schemes we’re bringing forward. We have made a commitment that, once fully operational, running costs of the schemes will not exceed 10% of the total cost of the schemes. Across Defra and delivery bodies we are spending approximately £90million from financial years 20/21 to 22/23 on designing and delivering the schemes.

Food: Cost of Living

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of (a) using and (b) delivering surplus food to tackle the effect of rising food bills on households during the cost of living crisis.

Mark Spencer: The amount of surplus food redistributed in 2021 was over 106,000 tonnes, worth over £330 million and the equivalent of over 253 million meals. Since UK-level data was first reported in 2015, overall levels of redistribution have increased over three-fold. Cumulatively between 2015 and 2021, 426,000 tonnes of surplus food have been redistributed, worth in excess of £1.3 billion pounds and equivalent to more than a billion meals. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) estimate that there could be a further 500,000 tonnes of surplus pre and post farmgate suitable for redistribution but noting considerable uncertainty around the practical and commercial feasibility of realising over half of this. The latest survey of the sector can be found here:WRAP-Surplus-food-redistribution-in-the-UK-2015-to-2021_0.pdf Between 2018 and March 2021 nearly £13 million was awarded to over 250 redistribution organisations across the country in order to bolster the capability and capacity of the redistribution sector to take advantage of surplus made available by businesses. This funding has provided important infrastructure such as additional warehousing, vehicles, fridges and freezers. The safe and speedy redistribution of surplus food is a priority, be it from retail, manufacture or the hospitality and food service sector, which all may have their own issues and challenges in their supply chains. We continue to support WRAP and the Institute of Grocery distribution (IGD) in the development of guidance and the sharing of best practice to advise on practical ways of increasing redistribution at short notice, and to help facilitate new partnerships.Surplus Food Redistribution Resource Hub | WRAPFood surplus redistribution (igd.com)

Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he is taking steps to track the Government’s delivery of commitments made in the Clean Air Strategy 2019; and if he will make a statement.

Trudy Harrison: Delivery of Clean Air Strategy commitments is tracked through Defra's Air Quality and Industrial Emissions Programme governance. At the most recent review in June 2022, 53 commitments are complete and 75 are underway. Key commitments delivered so far include:· HM Government has consulted on setting two new targets for fine particulate matter under the Environment Act 2021. Our dual-target approach will tackle the highest concentrations and ensure continuous improvement across the country.· Through the Environment Act 2021, HM Government has ensured that local authorities have the necessary powers to tackle emissions collaboratively in their local area.· HM Government has introduced legislation to control the sale of the most polluting solid fuels for domestic burning.· HM Government has agreed a plan with industry to reduce ammonia emissions from the use of urea fertilisers· HM Government is working to provide a coherent regulatory framework for the setting, updating, and enforcing of standards for air quality emissions from the full range of industry sectors.· This includes the United Kingdom's 'best available techniques' regime launched on 30 th August 2022, which will enable regulators and industry to work together to identify and apply up to date, challenging standards.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Public Expenditure

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding (a) his Department allocated to and (b) was spent by the (i) Woodland Carbon Guarantee scheme, (ii) Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds, (iii) Tree Production Innovation Fund, (iv) Local Authority Treescapes Fund , (v) Urban Tree Challenge Fund, (vi) Tree Production Capital Grant, (vii) England Woodland Creation Offer, (viii) Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund and (ix) Trees Call to Action Fund in each year since 2010; and how much funding his Department has allocated to each project in each of the next five years.

Trudy Harrison: The £640 million Nature for Climate Fund will support peat restoration, woodland creation and management until 2025. Nature for Climate Fund deployment in future years is dependent on analysis of previous year’s performance across projects and workstreams. The table below provides the grant allocation and spend with in-year adjustments. All grants are capital monies aside from the woodland creation accelerator fund, which is revenue.  Grant or funding2020-21 allocation 2020-21 spend 2021-22 allocation 2021-22 spend2022-23 and 2024-25 allocation  (£000)Woodland Carbon Guarantee1 Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds  6854477,596Tree Production Innovation Fund  1,0008794,700Local Authority Treescapes Fund  4,4103,55125,514Urban Tree Challenge Fund2,6702,1284,1033,25234,339Tree Production Capital Grant8,475England Woodland Creation Offer2  7,7632,69488,528Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund9,760Trees Call to Action Fund  5,0005,0004,550 1 The Woodland Carbon Guarantee is a £50 million scheme that aims to help accelerate woodland planting rates and develop the domestic market for woodland carbon for the permanent removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Woodland Carbon Guarantee applicants can sell their carbon credits to the government at a future date set in the future for a guaranteed price. There is no obligation to sell and they can do so only starting in 2025. 2 England Woodland Creation Offer includes the Woodland Creation Planning Grant and Woodland Carbon Fund

Hedges and Ditches: Conservation

Ruth Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to adopt a national hedgerow planting and restoration target equivalent to that of the national tree planting target.

Trudy Harrison: HM Government does not currently have plans to adopt a national hedgerow planting and restoration target equivalent to that of the national tree planting target. We are required by the Environment Act 2021 to set at least one long-term biodiversity target, in addition to our target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030. This target, and others set under the Act, will help target the causes of decline and drive actions to deliver nature recovery. We will also be setting out our pathways to meet these targets in the Environmental Improvement Plan due in 2023. To meet our species abundance target we will need to create more, better joined up habitats, which will include hedgerows.

Gamekeepers: Regulation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to undertake a review of regulations on gamekeeping.

Trudy Harrison: Defra currently has no plans to review regulations on gamekeeping.

Environment Protection: Finance

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding his Department has provided for (a) woodland creation, (b) peatland restoration, (c) saltmarsh restoration and (d) other natural carbon solutions in the latest period for which data is available; and through which schemes this funding is delivered.

Trudy Harrison: The £750 million Nature for Climate Fund will support peat restoration, woodland creation and management until 2025. Nature for Climate Fund deployment in future years is dependent on analysis of previous year’s performance across projects and workstreams. For 2022/23 alone we have made:Over £25 million available through the England Woodland Creation Offer£9.4m of additional funding to support tree nurseries, and development of workforce and skills to support the creation of woodland£44.5m NCF funding for Woodland Creation Partnerships and Community Forests£7.8 million for a new Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund (WCAF) to build Local Authority capacity to plan new woodlands£2 million to support DLUHC’s Levelling Up Parks Fund£12.8 million available to the Peatland Restoration Grant Scheme. Funding is agreed parliament to parliament via spending review periods, so beyond 2025 when the Nature for Climate Fund draws to a close, funding is yet to be agreed and determined. The £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund is enabling nature recovery across England, from North Northumberland to the tip of Cornwall. Through this funding, we are supporting 159 projects, ranging from new ‘insect pathways’ in our countryside to tree planting projects in deprived urban areas. These projects include woodland creation, peatland restoration and saltmarsh restoration. Round one of the fund ran between 2020-22 and round two is running between 2021-23. A number of estuarine and coastal habitat restoration initiatives are also underway. The management of the Environment Agency’s Restoring Meadow, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) initiative, amounting to £90k in 2022-23, is funded through the Water Environment Improvement Fund. ReMeMaRe is working to restore our estuarine and coastal habitats to benefit people and nature. Natural England is leading a four-year £2.5 million EU-funded LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES project running to October 2023, which aims to restore seagrass and maerl habitat in five Special Areas of Conservation. Finally, we are also working to increase private investment in nature. The £10 million Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund, which runs to March 2024, is also supporting three projects with almost £300,000 of grants, to explore, develop and then test methodologies to measure and verify the carbon storage potential in saltmarsh habitats. This includes a project to develop a Saltmarsh Carbon code from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Home Office

Undocumented Migrants: Albania

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has had recent discussions with their Albanian counterparts on the return of Albanian illegal migrants to Albania.

Robert Jenrick: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Undocumented Migrants: Albania

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how her Department plans to return Albanian migrants who are in the UK illegally when the movements of those migrants are not limited or tracked while in the UK.

Robert Jenrick: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Undocumented Migrants: Albania

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the arrival of illegal Albanian migrants on organised crime in the UK.

Robert Jenrick: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Fraud: Statistics

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether fraud will be included in the crime statistics for the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Tom Tugendhat: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Action Fraud

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many incidents of fraud were referred to Action Fraud in each year since 2016 inclusive.

Tom Tugendhat: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Animal Experiments: Rodents

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the incident described in the Animals in Science Regulation Unit’s annual reports for 2019-2021 in which boxes containing 112 live rats were transferred to a compactor in error and the animals were crushed; and what steps she will take to prevent such incidents from occurring in future.

Miss Sarah Dines: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Action Fraud

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of cases referred to Action Fraud in 2021 resulted in a police investigation

Tom Tugendhat: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Intelligence Services: China

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has received any evidence of the Chinese government operating unofficial police stations in the UK.

Tom Tugendhat: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Animal Experiments: Primates

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the incident described in the Animals in Science Regulation Unit’s annual reports for 2019-2021 in which a non-human primate died after becoming trapped behind a restraint device; and what steps her Department is taking to prevent such incidents recurring.

Miss Sarah Dines: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Domestic Abuse: Parents

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to publish the (a) updated guidance on child-to-parent abuse with specific detail of the recommended responses by (i) police, (ii) health professionals (iii) social workers.

Miss Sarah Dines: Child and adolescent to parent violence and abuse (CAPVA) is a relatively hidden but increasingly recognised form of domestic abuse. This describes abuse from children and young people toward parents or other family members.As outlined in the Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan, the Home Office will publish updated guidance for frontline practitioners on CAPVA, working with frontline practitioners including those working in the police, health, education, and social care. This guidance will build on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Statutory Guidance. We intend to publish the CAPVA guidance next year.The Home Office will also work with stakeholders to reach an agreed definition and terminology for this type of behaviour. This will underpin policy development on the response to CAPVA, and comprehensive guidance to support practitioners and service commissioners.The Home Office are funding a number of projects which aim to work with children and young people displaying abusive behaviours. We have awarded South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner £517,305.26 this financial year to deliver interventions for perpetrators of domestic abuse, including a project for young people.

Diamorphine: Clinics

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the impact of Diamorphine Assisted Treatment (DAT) in reducing drug-related crime.

Chris Philp: There is evidence from the UK and other countries that supervised injections of diamorphine in a medical environment as part of a structured treatment plan can assist in keeping patients in treatment and out of criminal behaviour, leading to a reduction in drug-related crime. The Government supports local authorities that choose to commission DAT as part of their drug treatment services, providing the relevant licences are obtained from the Home Office.Our 10-year Drug Strategy sets out three core priorities for tackling drug misuse: cutting off drug supply, creating a world class treatment and recovery system and achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs. It is underpinned by an investment of nearly £900 million in additional funding, including a record £780 million of new investment in drug treatment and recovery services across England.

Fraud and Robbery: Westminster Bridge

Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many incidents of (a) fraud and (b) robbery of tourists on the west side of Westminster Bridge there have been in the latest period for which data is available; and if she will make a statement.

Chris Philp: The information is not held in the requested format.

Police Custody: Children

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how ethnicity will be disaggregated in reporting on the (a) detention and (b) strip and intimate search of children in police custody in the next publication of the police powers and procedures statistical data.

Chris Philp: For the first time, information on the ethnicity of children detained in custody or subjected to strip searches or intimate searches whilst in police custody, is being collected by the Home Office.For detentions and strip searches, ethnicity data has been collected at the 18+1 level, in line with the 2011 Census, and will be published with that full detail.For intimate searches, ethnicity data has been collected and will be published at aggregated group level only (white, black, Asian, mixed or other).Strip search and intimate search are two of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when its use is necessary, to prevent or detect crime or protect the individual or officers. However, it must be used in accordance with the law and with full regard for the welfare and dignity of the individual being searched, particularly if that individual is a child.Data have not been received from all forces, but data that have been collected are scheduled for publication on 17 November 2022 in the ‘Police Powers and Procedures’ statistical publication: Police powers and procedures: Other PACE powers, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2022 - National statistics announcement - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Home Office: Digital Technology

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training her Department provides to (a) officials, (b) ministers and (c) secretaries of state on digital security.

Chris Philp: (a) The Home Office provides Security and Data Protection training to all its officials every 2 Years and the course duration 1 hour 35 minutes. Officials can access this learning via Civil Service Learning (CSL) website.The Home Office does not advise on training for (b) ministers and (c) secretaries of state, this is managed by the Cabinet Office.

Home Office: Email

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department takes to ensure that personal emails are not used for the messaging of restricted Government content.

Chris Philp: In line with the practice of successive administrations, the Government does not routinely comment on internal security arrangements.

Overseas Students

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of reducing the number of international students at UK universities on the UK's future position in the Higher Education Policy Institute soft-power index.

Robert Jenrick: Our offer to international students is extremely competitive and ensures that we continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.The Government’s International Education Strategy set out a target of attracting 600,000 international Higher Education students to the UK by 2030, which we have achieved almost a decade early. The public also rightly expects us to control immigration and ensure we have a system that works in the UK’s best interests. As the Growth Plan set out, the Government is looking at how immigration contributes to growth and will set out further details in due course.

Detention Centres: Manston

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what personnel, from which agencies, are based at the Manston immigration facility.

Robert Jenrick: The deployment of staff at Manston includes staff from Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, Asylum & Protection, Counter-Terror policing and staff from the Ministry of Defence / joint inter-agency taskforce under Op ISOTROPE.

Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she expects to revert command and control of tackling small boats crossing the English Channel from the Royal Navy to Border Force.

Robert Jenrick: Defence support to the Home Office will continue until January 2023 as originally planned, at which point the operational and wider arrangements will be reviewed.We are working across Government to ensure the conditions are set for Defence to hand the task back to the Home Office following the review, this includes supporting training and capability development.

Home Office: Correspondence

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of non-urgent cases submitted to the Home Office via the dedicated MPs' written enquiries route are responded to within the twenty working day target.

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of urgent cases submitted to the Home Office via the dedicated MPs' written enquiries route are responded to within the twenty working day target.

Robert Jenrick: The Department works to a target of responding to 95% of Hon. Member’s written correspondence within 20 working days.Performance against target has been impacted by an unprecedented increase in MPs queries following the Afghan evacuation, Ukraine crisis and HM Passport Office application surge.Data about intake and performance in answering Hon. Members correspondence are published quarterly with the latest Quarter available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customer-service-operations-data-q2-2022The published data does not distinguish between urgent and non-urgent enquiries.

Asylum: Applications

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent she has made of the average waiting time to process an asylum claim.

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average waiting time for an asylum interview is in England.

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage of asylum cases are decided within (a) six months, (b) one year and (c) over one year.

Robert Jenrick: The Home Office is unable to state what the average waiting time is to process an asylum claim or how many asylum claimants were awaiting their asylum interview because this information is not held in a reportable format, not routinely published and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.However, the Home Office does publish data on the number asylum claims awaiting an initial decision by duration and the numbers processed within six months, for main claimant only. This data can be found at Asy_04 of the published Immigration Statistics and ASY_02 of the published Transparency Data:List of tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)Immigration and protection data: Q2 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Travel Requirements: Hong Kong

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will take steps to issue travel documents to Hong Kong residents who were born after 1997 and hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport so they do not have to step onto Chinese consulate grounds to renew their documentation.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will take steps to issue travel documents to children born to parents on a British National Overseas visa in the UK so that they do not have to enter Chinese consulate grounds.

Robert Jenrick: The Home Office does not have plans to issue travel documents to children of parents on the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) route or to Hong Kong residents born after 1997 who hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport.Individuals arriving in the UK must produce a valid passport with a photograph or some other document which satisfactorily establishes their identity and nationality, if required to do so by a Border Force officer. Individuals who wish to travel outside the UK will need to comply with the entry requirements of the country they wish to enter, which may require a valid travel document to establish their identity and nationality.It remains the case that those who hold a HKSAR passport and wish to travel to or from the UK will need to renew that passport or arrange for alternative documentation. The UK cannot assist with the renewal of passports of other nationalities.

Undocumented Migrants: Albania

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department considers Albania to be a safe country for the return of illegal migrants.

Robert Jenrick: Albanian Illegal migrants may claim they require international protection. The Home Office has designated Albania as ‘generally safe’ under Section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. This means that asylum / human rights decision-makers presume an applicant will be safe on return unless the person can show that this does not apply in their particular case.

Undocumented Migrants: Albania

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions her Department has had with its French counterparts on the increasing number of Albanian migrants crossing the Channel.

Robert Jenrick: The UK maintains regular contact with the Government of France on our joint cooperation to tackle illegal migration in order to respond effectively to new and emerging migration challenges including the concerning increase in Albanian nationals arriving by small boat. The UK is also working in tandem with the Government of Albania to urgently implement new measures to address the current crisis and also longer-term drivers. We remain committed to engaging with international partners on a ‘whole of route’ approach to addressing the challenges of, and risks posed by, irregular migration.

Home Office: Communication

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to improve the security of protected communications in his Department.

Chris Philp: In line with the practice of successive administrations, the Government does not routinely comment on internal security arrangements.

Detention Centres: Manston

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the maximum amount of time an individual can legally be detained at the Manston immigration facility.

Robert Jenrick: Under the Short Term Holding Facility Rules 2018, someone may be held at Manston for up to 24 hours, or longer if authorised by the Secretary of State in exceptional circumstances.

Immigration: Hong Kong

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many BNO Visa holders from Hong Kong live in each London borough.

Robert Jenrick: The latest statistics relating to the BN(O) route can be found here: How many people come to the UK each year (including visitors)? - GOV.UK (www.gov.ukThe Home Office does not hold the information requested as the vast majority of applicants to BN(O) route apply for Entry Clearance from abroad, prior to having a settled UK address.Those who choose to come to the UK on the Hong Kong BN(O) route have the right to live, work and study anywhere within the UK.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Afghan refugees are awaiting housing resettlement following their entry into the UK through Government schemes.

Robert Jenrick: Through Operation Warm Welcome, Afghans resettling in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) will be supported in accessing accommodation alongside the vital health, education, and support into employment they need, to fully integrate into society. As stated in the recently published, 'Afghan Resettlement: Operational Data' factsheet, at 12 Aug 2022, the UK:Has welcomed 21,450 people to the UK from Afghanistan - or a neighbouring country - since June 2021.Is providing temporary accommodation for 9,667 people in hotels while they await settled accommodation.The factsheet will be updated every quarter – with the next iteration scheduled for publication on 24 November 2022. The Home Office will also include Afghan resettlement statistics in its quarterly Immigration Statistics publications, in due course.

Members' Constituency Work: Harrow West

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason the case of the hon. Member for Harrow West's constituent, reference: MPAM/0293091/22, which surpassed the 12-week expectation for a decision in August 2022, has yet to be determined; and if he will make a statement.

Robert Jenrick: From 11 May 2022, the decision waiting time for applicants applying to enter the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British Citizenship or is settled in the UK changed. The applicant should now get a decision within 24 weeks once they attend their appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Information on family visa processing times for applications made outside of the UK can be found here: Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Members: Correspondence

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he will reply to the letters of 18 August and 20 September 2022 from the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare on behalf of a constituent about Ukrainian visas.

Robert Jenrick: The Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, MP Account Management (MPAM) team and Direct Communications Unit (DCU) have no trace of these enquiries.

Overseas Students

Kim Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential (a) loss of tuition fee income, (b) loss of living cost expenditure, (c) loss of knock-on expenditure and (d) total economic cost of restricting the number of international students and their dependents to the UK's university sector.

Kim Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of introducing a cap on the number of children that international students can bring to the UK on (a) the number of international students studying in the UK, (b) the potential economic cost to the UK and (c) women.

Kim Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the graduate visa route, introduced in 2021, remains his Department's policy; and what his future plans are for that policy.

Robert Jenrick: Our offer to international students is extremely competitive and ensures that we continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.The Government’s International Education Strategy set out a target of attracting 600,000 international Higher Education students to the UK by 2030, which we have achieved almost a decade early. The public also rightly expects us to control immigration and ensure we have a system that works in the UK’s best interests. In launching the Student and Graduate immigration routes we published detailed impact assessments, and we continue to routinely publish Impact Assessments where they are required as a result of any changes to our routes. As the Growth Plan set out, the Government is looking at how immigration contributes to growth and will set out further details in due course.

Overseas Students: Children

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing a cap on the number of children international students can bring to the UK on (a) the total number of, (b) the number of female and (c) the number of male international students studying in the UK.

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what overall assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing a cap on the number of children international students can bring to the UK.

Robert Jenrick: Our offer to international students is extremely competitive and ensures that we continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.The Government’s International Education Strategy set out a target of attracting 600,000 international Higher Education students to the UK by 2030, which we have achieved almost a decade early. The public also rightly expects us to control immigration and ensure we have a system that works in the UK’s best interests. As the Growth Plan set out, the Government is looking at how immigration contributes to growth and will set out further details in due course.

Visas: Overseas Students

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many recipients of graduate student visas have been accompanied by five or six dependents to date.

Robert Jenrick: The Home Office does not routinely publish data on the number of recipients of international student visas who are accompanied by dependants.Information on our immigration routes is available as part of our transparency data and can be found at: Visas and Citizenship data: Q2 2022.

Visas: Overseas Students

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the graduate visa route, introduced in 2021, remains his Department's policy objective.

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of capping the number of graduate visas on the UK’s economy.

Robert Jenrick: Our offer to international students is extremely competitive and ensures that we continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.The Government’s International Education Strategy set out a target of attracting 600,000 international Higher Education students to the UK by 2030, which we have achieved almost a decade early. The public also rightly expects us to control immigration and ensure we have a system that works in the UK’s best interests. As the Growth Plan set out, the Government is looking at how immigration contributes to growth and will set out further details in due course.

General Practitioners: Migrant Workers

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make it his policy to provide International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with eligibility to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK on successful completion of GP specialty training; what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the number of IMGs who leave the UK after receiving training paid for by the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Robert Jenrick: There is no reason connected to the immigration system to suggest the United Kingdom will lose significant numbers of IMG GPs following completion of their training. The Home Office have delivered a range of measures to support the health and care sector to recruit International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to work in the UK. The Home Office launched the Health & Care visa in 2020, which makes it easier, cheaper, and quicker for health workers – including international medical graduates - to come and stay in the UK to work compared to other immigration routes. IMGs who have undertaken GP training are eligible to apply for ILR after completing five years on the Health and Care visa route, in line with IMGs in other fields and work visa routes in general. The government does not intend to change this policy to treat a specific group more favourably than the people on the route as a whole. The Home Secretary has regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Health. However, solutions for this sector remain employer led. We strongly encourage more GP surgeries to become Home Office approved sponsors. This is the best way for the sector to retain international medical graduates as GPs, providing them with the ability to continue to renew their visa while living in the UK and to qualify for permanent settlement in due course.

Fisheries: Migrant Workers

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the impact of the English language requirements of the Skilled Worker visa on the hire foreign nationals as fishing crew members.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the suitability of the English language requirements of the Skilled Worker visa for workers who apply in order to work as members of fishing crews in the UK.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the impact of the requirement for those on transit visas to leave the UK before applying for a Skilled Worker Visa on the hire of foreign nationals as fishing crew members.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate she has made of the average (a) delay and (b) cost to domestic fishing companies of the Skilled Worker visa's (i) English language requirements and (ii) requirement for applicants to apply from abroad.

Robert Jenrick: The English language requirements for all Skilled Workers are fundamental to successful integration into British society, helping migrants to participate in community life and work. As the Skilled Worker route can lead to settlement it is right to assess the ability of migrants to understand both written and spoken English. The requirement to speak basic English is a core principle of the points-based immigration system, as set out in our 2019 manifesto and HM Government’s original policy statement published on 19 February 2020. The ability to speak “lower intermediate English” – understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. – is not a high standard but is essential to support overseas workers and their families live and work in the UK and to integrate. Considering the fishing industry in particular, English language ability within busy environments and areas with potentially lethal equipment is also important to fulfil health and safety requirements. Migrant workers who do not have a good command of English are more likely to be heavily dependent on their employer, less able to understand their rights, and less able to leave their employer and seek another job. Relaxing the English language requirement would increase the risk of exploitation in an industry where this is already a widely reported concern. It is the Government’s position that if a foreign national is coming to work within UK territorial waters (12 nautical miles), or the UK landmass, then they will need to apply for the appropriate permission to do so, this is most likely a Skilled Worker visa. Conversely, if they are working outside of the 12 nautical miles then a Skilled Worker visa is not required. Transit visas are a type of visit visa. For any visit visa to be granted, the person must intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit, therefore it is not possible to switch into a Skilled Worker visa or any other immigration route without first doing so. English language ability is a longstanding requirement for skilled work visas route. The fishing industry has historically recruited workers from outside the EEA and any company following the rules would therefore be used to employing migrants who meet these requirements and delays should not occur.

Members: Correspondence

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence of 13 September 2022 from the Rt Hon. Member for East Ham, case reference ST100013.

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department intends to reply to correspondence of 7 September from the Rt Hon. Member for East Ham, case reference ST10011.

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to reply to correspondence of 4 October from the Rt Hon. Member for East Ham, case reference ST95703.

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence of 10 August 2022 from the Rt hon. Member for East Ham, case reference ST97577.

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the correspondence of 10 August  2022 from the Rt hon. Member for East Ham, case reference ST99653.

Robert Jenrick: I apologise for the delay.PQ 72909 – MPAM reference – MPAM/0426153/22 – The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 28 October 2022PQ 72910 – MPAM reference – MPAM/0431018/22 – The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 28 October 2022PQ 72911 – MPAM reference – MPAM/0288749/22 – The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 28 October 2022PQ 72912 – MPAM reference – MPAM/0397302/22 – The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 28 October 2022PQ 72913 – MPAM reference – MPAM/0411509/22 – The Home Office responded to the correspondence on 28 October 2022

Overseas Students

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department plans to restrict the number of international students who can study at UK universities.

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing a cap on the number of children that international students can bring to the UK on (a) the number of international students studying in the UK, (b) the potential economic cost to the UK and (c) women.

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential (a) loss of tuition fee income, (b) loss of living cost expenditure, (c) loss of knock-on expenditure and (d) total economic cost of restricting the number of international students and their dependents to the UK's university sector.

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the graduate visa route, introduced in 2021, remains his Department's policy objective.

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of capping the number of graduate visas on the UK’s economy.

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Higher Education Policy Institute's (HEPI) 2022 soft-power index, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of restricting the number of international students to the UK's universities on the UK's soft power.

Robert Jenrick: Our offer to international students is extremely competitive and ensures that we continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.The Government’s International Education Strategy set out a target of attracting 600,000 international Higher Education students to the UK by 2030, which we have achieved almost a decade early. The public also rightly expects us to control immigration and ensure we have a system that works in the UK’s best interests. As the Growth Plan set out, the Government is looking at how immigration contributes to growth and will set out further details in due course.

Immigration

Sir Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have completed the ten year route to settlement since 2012.

Robert Jenrick: The data is not held in the requested format.

Members: Correspondence

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department will respond to the correspondence of 21 September 2022 from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton on Arjeta Kulli.

Robert Jenrick: I apologise for the delay. UK Visas and Immigration, MP Account Management team responded on 27 October 2022

Fisheries: Vacancies

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of delaying the commencement of Section 43 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, to help support fish producer organisations to find a workable solution to labour shortages.

Robert Jenrick: Section 43 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Working in UK waters) was due to be commenced and implemented in November 2022. However, following careful consideration, and taking on board requests and feedback from key stakeholders, the implementation of Section 43 has been delayed until Spring 2023.The additional time before commencement and implementation will allow industries to fully prepare for any changes they need to make to ensure full compliance with the UK immigration system, should they wish to bring in foreign national workers to work in UK waters. Fishermen can currently use the Skilled Worker route, eligible jobs include share fishermen, trawler skippers, fish processors, and deckhands on large fishing vessels (9m+). During this time period, as now, all foreign national workers working wholly or mainly in UK waters will still need permission to work before they come to the UK.Further information and guidance will be available in advance of Spring 2023, including the date the new provision will come into force.

Home Office: Email

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Government documents she has sent (a) to and (b) using her personal email address.

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has ever sent (a) classified documents and (b) material from the intelligence services through her personal email address.

Suella Braverman: I wrote to the Home Affairs Select Committee Chair on 31 October and a copy of the letter was placed in the House Libraries - I refer the hon. member to that letter where both questions are answered.

Home Office: Official Secrets

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has shared information classified as (a) official, (b) secret and (c) top secret with individuals not authorised to receive it.

Suella Braverman: I wrote to the Home Affairs Select Committee Chair on 31 October and a copy of the letter was placed in the House Libraries - I refer the hon. member to that letter.

Home Office: Email

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in how many instances she has shared official information given to her in her capacity as Secretary of State for the Home Department through her private e-mail address.

Suella Braverman: I wrote to the Home Affairs Select Committee Chair on 31 October and a copy of the letter was placed in the House Libraries - I refer the hon. member to that letter.

Undocumented Migrants: Detainees

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is the Government's policy to provide legal advice to people who arrive in the UK in small boats and are transferred to the former Ministry of Defence site in Manston, Kent for initial processing in their own language.

Tom Pursglove: No migrants have been removed from the UK directly from the facility at Manston without the required notification period as set out in published guidance, and no one has been removed whilst they had a pending asylum claim.All individuals arriving in the UK may be examined to establish whether they require leave (permission) to enter the UK, including those arriving via an unauthorised or irregular route. In those circumstances, the presence of a legal representative is not necessary to determine the purpose of an individual’s arrival in the UK, and there is no legal right to such representation. Where an individual is unwilling to answer questions about the purpose of their arrival, the Border Force officer cannot be satisfied of the individuals eligibility to enter the UK and they may be refused.Where an individual mentions any fear of return to their home country, or indicates they may be a victim of modern slavery or trafficking then officers are required to follow the relevant processes to ensure that those claims are properly considered in line with our international and domestic legal obligations.Where interviews are being conducted in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), officers will be compliant with the codes of practice including the right to legal representation.

Asylum: Deportation

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of foreign nationals removed from the UK under zero notice removal procedures were still waiting for a decision on an outstanding asylum claim at the time of their removal, in each month since January 2022; and how many and what proportion of those foreign nationals did not have access to legal advice at the time of their removal.

Tom Pursglove: No migrants have been removed from the UK directly from the facility at Manston without the required notification period as set out in published guidance, and no one has been removed whilst they had a pending asylum claim.All individuals arriving in the UK may be examined to establish whether they require leave (permission) to enter the UK, including those arriving via an unauthorised or irregular route. In those circumstances, the presence of a legal representative is not necessary to determine the purpose of an individual’s arrival in the UK, and there is no legal right to such representation. Where an individual is unwilling to answer questions about the purpose of their arrival, the Border Force officer cannot be satisfied of the individuals eligibility to enter the UK and they may be refused.Where an individual mentions any fear of return to their home country, or indicates they may be a victim of modern slavery or trafficking then officers are required to follow the relevant processes to ensure that those claims are properly considered in line with our international and domestic legal obligations.Where interviews are being conducted in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), officers will be compliant with the codes of practice including the right to legal representation.

Members: Correspondence

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she will respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Glasgow East, reference DL12037.

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she will respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Glasgow East, reference DL11740.

Tom Pursglove: I apologise for the delay. UK Visas and Immigration, MP Account Management team responded as detailed below:PQ 60004 – MPAM reference: MPAM/0418796/22 – The Home Office responded on 10 October 2022.PQ 60009 – MPAM reference: MPAM/0370568/22 – The Home Office responded on  31 October 2022.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Private Rented Housing: Evictions

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, when he plans to introduce measures to prevent landlords evicting their tenants for no fault under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1998.

Felicity Buchan: Announcements will be made in the usual way.

Homes for Ukraine Scheme: Wirral West

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what estimate he has made of the number of Ukrainian refugees who have been granted a visa to live with a host in Wirral West constituency under (a) the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, and (b) the Ukraine Family Scheme.

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to help sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme with the rising cost of living.

Margaret Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what estimate he has made of the proportion of Ukrainian refugees who were granted a visa to live with a host in Wirral West constituency under (a) the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and (b) the Ukraine Family Scheme who are homeless: and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that refugees do not face homelessness in the future.

Felicity Buchan: Up to date data on arrivals through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme can be accessed here.Details on funding for the scheme are available here . We are continuing to work with local authorities and sponsors to support them with their hosting arrangements.

Private Rented Housing: Evictions

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the level of use of Section 21 notices by landlords and letting agents as part of routine letting contract renewals.

Felicity Buchan: The department routinely considers the implications of its policies as they are developed. Legislation will be announced in the usual way.

Rented Housing

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will take steps to address the fall of availability in rental properties in areas of England.

Felicity Buchan: We are delivering more affordable homes through our 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme. Future policy announcements will be made in the usual way.

Environment Protection: Lancashire

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will ensure that ancient woodlands in the Lancashire County Council area continue to be protected in the event that they are located in an area which is to become an investment zone.

Lee Rowley: The Government is committed to protecting, and where possible enhancing, our environmental assets. Policy announcements will be made in the usual way.

Housing: Energy

Claire Hanna: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Passivhaus homes on levels of (a) fuel poverty and (b) carbon emissions.

Lee Rowley: The Government has already committed to introducing a new design standard for the UK, the Future Homes Standard which we intend to consult upon in 2023. Homes built under this standard are intended to see improvements in efficiency and performance compared to most current housing stock which should, in addition, produce cost savings for owners and tenants.

Planning: Reform

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to his Department's portfolio of major projects, how much public money has been spent on (a) internal staff costs and (b) external consultancy relating to delivery of the projects on (i) Planning Reform and (ii) Electoral Integrity from the outset of each project to the end of October 2022.

Lee Rowley: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Local Plans: Public Consultation

Oliver Dowden: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will take steps to ensure that local authorities are required to hold a new public consultation when an (a) existing and (b) proposed local plan is replaced by a new local plan.

Lucy Frazer: Consultation requirements on the current local plan process are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (‘the Local Plan Regulations’). In the initial stages of plan production, local planning authorities must comply with specific requirements in regulation 18 of the Local Plan Regulations on consultation, and with commitments in their Statement of Community Involvement. Local planning authorities must also make available each of the proposed submission documents they intend to submit to the Planning Inspectorate for examination to enable representations to come forward that can be considered at examination, under regulation 19 of the Local Plan Regulations.In the reformed planning system, opportunities for communities and other interested parties to influence and comment on emerging plans will be retained, with the digital powers allowing both plans and underpinning data to be accessed and understood more easily.

West Cumbria Mining: Planning

Mark Jenkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he expects 8 November 2022 to remain the latest date for the decision on West Cumbria Mining’s planning application.

Lucy Frazer: Planning Ministers require more time to consider this case. A decision will now be issued on or before 8 December.

Levelling Up Fund

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, when the third round of Levelling Up Fund bids will be considered.

Dehenna Davison: We are not yet committing to the timing or format of future rounds. Announcements will be made in the usual way.

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, pursuant to the Answer of 23 September 2022 to Question 49788 on Wind Power: Planning Permission, and with reference to The Growth Plan 2022, published by HM Treasury on 23 September 2022, what steps his Department plans to take to bring onshore wind planning policy in line with other infrastructure in order to allow it to be deployed more easily in England.

Lucy Frazer: Policy announcements will be made in the usual way.

Demonstrations: Tower Hamlets

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of potential protests taking place at the proposed new site of the Chinese Embassy at Royal Mint Court on traffic and pedestrians.

Lucy Frazer: A planning application for a new Chinese Embassy is currently before the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. As the Secretary of State has a quasi-judicial role in the planning system, it would not be appropriate to comment on the merits of the proposal in case it were to come before Ministers in the future.

Planning: Inspections

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, pursuant to the answer of 24 October to Question 64119 on Planning: Inspections, how many cases within the planning inspectorate have been waiting for a planning inspector to be assigned for more than (a) six and (b) 12 months.

Lucy Frazer: As of 26th October 2022, there were 2,751 cases that have been waiting for a planning inspector for more than 6 months, and 766 cases which have been waiting for more than 12 months.

Cabinet Office

Cabinet Office: Constitutions and Elections

Angela Rayner: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what responsibilities he holds for constitutional policy and elections.

Alex Burghart: The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster holds ministerial responsibility for the constitution, with support from other Ministers within the Cabinet Office. Ministers in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities hold responsibility for elections.

Government: Procurement

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve Government procurement (a) speed, (b) efficiency and (c) capacity.

Jeremy Quin: The Procurement Bill, currently being considered in the House of Lords, aims to make it simpler, quicker and cheaper for suppliers, including SMEs and social enterprises, to bid for public sector contracts.The new rules focus more on delivering outcomes and will provide clearer rules overall and more flexibility for officials to use their commercial skills to achieve the desired outcomes.In addition, the Commercial Playbooks include key policy reforms which help government and industry work better together to deliver quality public services and value for money.

Females: Lone Parents

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cost of living crisis on women who are single parents.

Jeremy Quin: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 26 October is attached. Single Parents (pdf, 127.5KB)

Ministerial Responsibility

Julie Elliott: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he will update the List of Ministerial Responsibilities.

Jeremy Quin: A revised List of Ministerial Responsibilities will be published in due course. In the meantime, departments are updating their ministers' pages on GOV.UK which also include portfolio information.

Civil Servants: Pay

Florence Eshalomi: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the average annual salary is for grade seven civil servants and above (a) inside and (b) outside London.

Florence Eshalomi: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of civil servants at Grade 7 and above are black.

Florence Eshalomi: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the (a) mean and (b) median salary for black civil servants.

Florence Eshalomi: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the (a) mean and (b) median salary is for Senior Civil Servants based (i) in London and (ii) outside London.

Jeremy Quin: The mean annual salary for civil servants at grade 7 and above as of March 2022 was £64,730 in London and £60,000 outside London (including overseas).As of March 2022, 2.5% of civil servants (with a reported ethnicity) at grade 7 and above reported their ethnicity as black.The mean annual salary for civil servants who reported their ethnicity as black was £33,380, with the median at £31,060, as of March 2022.The mean annual salary for senior civil servants working in London as of April 2021 was £88,420, with the median at £80,400. For those outside London (including overseas) the mean was £87,630 and the median was £81,450.

Blood: Contamination

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether every individual affected by the infected blood scandal who is eligible for an interim compensation payment of £100,000 will receive their payment by the end of October 2022.

Jeremy Quin: I can confirm infected individuals and bereaved partners who are registered with any of the four UK infected blood support schemes received their payments by 28 October.

National Science and Technology Council

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister will chair the National Science and Technology Council; and for what reason that group is no longer a Cabinet subcommittee.

Jeremy Quin: In October 2022, the National Science and Technology Council was established as an inter-ministerial group responsible for delivering an ambitious UK science and technology strategy and to consider key science and technology issues.The Cabinet Committee list and membership is decided by the Prime Minister.GOV.UK is updated regularly with the list of Cabinet Committees, their terms of reference, and membership.

Duchy of Lancaster: Ministerial Responsibility

Angela Rayner: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has retained overall responsibility for delivery of the Government’s priorities, including oversight of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, following his appointment.

Jeremy Quin: The GOV.UK webpage for the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster includes a list of the Minister’s responsibilities. This includes “driving delivery of Government’s priorities including oversight of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit”.A revised List of Ministerial Responsibilities will also be published in due course.

Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review

John Healey: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether it is the government’s policy to continue with the Integrated Review announced by the previous government.

Jeremy Quin: The Government has decided to continue with the Integrated Review refresh. The date of publication will be confirmed in due course.

Government Departments: Furniture

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much each Department has spend on lecterns in each of the last five years.

Jeremy Quin: Spend on lecterns by each government department is not held centrally by Cabinet Office.

Prime Minister: Furniture

Matt Western: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much was spent by each administration on Prime Ministerial podiums between 2010 to 2022.

Jeremy Quin: The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Government lecterns are regularly used at press conferences and speeches. Previous lecterns continue to be used and repurposed in other government buildings.

Treasury

Motor Vehicles: Import Duties

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the temporary admission relief scheme for vehicles registered in Ukraine until the end of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Victoria Atkins: Ukrainian arrivals entering the UK temporarily under the Homes for Ukraine scheme do not need to declare their personal vehicles to Customs or pay any customs duty or import VAT on their vehicle, provided the vehicle is taxed and registered in its home country. This is provided for under the Temporary Admission (TA) procedure which allows certain goods to be imported into the UK temporarily, with total relief from customs duty and import VAT. Under TA, imported goods or belongings must not be altered (but can be repaired to maintain their condition) and must be re-exported within a set time period (normally 6 months). If vehicles will be in the UK for more than 6 months, Ukrainian arrivals can either:apply for an extension of the TA set-period by contacting HMRC’s National Temporary Admission Section (NTAS) at: ntis@hmrc.gov.uk. This will allow the vehicle to stay longer without paying import duties. If they provide NTAS with a copy of their Biometric Residence Permit, or any other evidence of their permission to remain in the UK, HMRC will grant an extension up to 3 years. HMRC will keep this policy under review throughout the period of the Ukraine-Russia conflict; orapply for transfer of residence relief, which means they would pay no import duties on personal items and household goods they bring into the UK if they become resident. All individuals must register and tax their vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency if they become resident or stay longer than 6 months.

UK Shared Business Services

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much public money has been spent by HMRC on (a) internal staff costs and (b) external consultancy relating to delivery of the Government Shared Services cluster programme for which HMRC has lead responsibility from the outset of the programme to end of October 2022.

Victoria Atkins: The Government Shared Services HMRC Led Cluster Programme gained approval to a Strategic Outline Case in Sept 2021. From Sept 2021 to October 2022, HMRC has spent £1.76 million on internal staff costs and £2.02 million on external consultancy costs.

Arms Trade: Export Controls

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many fines HMRC have issued for breaches of the UK arms export regime since June 2022; and how much each of those fines has been.

Victoria Atkins: HMRC has issued 11 compound settlements from June 2022 to date for breaches of the UK arms export regime. The values for each of those settlements are as follows: Military Listed goods - £271,700.25, £2,700.00 and £5,300.00Dual Use/Military Listed goods – £6,935.44Dual Use goods - £2,700.00, £1,000.00, £19,637.84, £9,828.83, £19,689.20, £56,708.71 and £8,664.81 Information on HMRC enforcement outcomes is published in the Strategic Export Controls Annual Reports online.

Development Aid

Ruth Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 25 October 2025 to Question 64319 on Development Aid, whether the latest fiscal forecasts allow him to plan to restore the UK's Official Development Assistance budget to 0.7 percent of its GNI.

John Glen: The Government remains committed to the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015 and to spending 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) on Official Development Assistance (ODA) once the fiscal situation allows. In July 2021 the former Chancellor set out the fiscal circumstances under which the UK will make the return to spending 0.7% of its GNI on ODA. This is set out in detail in a written ministerial statement, here: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-07-12/hcws172. Each year, the Government will continue to monitor future forecasts closely and will review and confirm, in accordance with the Act, whether a return to spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA is possible against the latest fiscal forecasts.

Huntington's Disease: Government Assistance

Hilary Benn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will increase financial support to people living with Huntington's disease during winter 2022.

John Glen: The Government understands that people across the UK and especially the most vulnerable members of society, such as those suffering from long-term health conditions and disabilities, are worried about the rising cost of living. That is why the Government is taking decisive action to get households through this winter and the next, while ensuring we act in a fiscally responsible way.If individuals have extra-costs arising from their Huntington’s disease, then they may qualify for disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP). People in receipt of extra-costs disability benefits such as PIP, Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will receive a one-off Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150 from 20th September, to help disabled people with the rising cost of living. The DWP has already processed around 6 million such payments. A one-off £650 Cost of Living Payment is also being delivered to those on means-tested benefits. Individuals who have limited ability to work because of their health condition, and are in receipt of means-tested benefits such as income-related Employment and Support Allowance or the Universal Credit Health top up, are eligible for this support. Those living with a long-term health condition, such as Huntington’s disease, can also benefit from other forms of non-means-tested support which the Government is providing to assist with UK households’ energy bills. We have taken decisive action to support millions of households and businesses with rising energy costs this winter through the Energy Price Guarantee. In addition to the Energy Price Guarantee, millions of the most vulnerable households will receive further support this year through the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme. The £150 Council Tax rebate will also mean that all households in Council Tax bands A-D will receive a rebate, which will be delivered by Local Authorities. Lastly, to support households who need further help or who are not eligible for elements of the wider package of support, the Government is also providing an extra £500 million of local support to help with the cost of essentials, via the Household Support Fund. We are continuing to keep the situation under review and are focusing support on the most vulnerable whilst ensuring we act in a fiscally responsible way.

Motor Vehicles: Import Duties

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of vehicles registered in Ukraine currently listed with the DVLA under the temporary admission relief scheme.

Victoria Atkins: The information requested is not held. Ukrainian arrivals entering the UK temporarily under the Homes for Ukraine scheme do not need to declare their personal vehicles to Customs or pay any customs duty or import VAT on their vehicle, provided the vehicle is taxed and registered in its home country. Similarly, the DVLA does not require individuals to register and tax their vehicle in the UK until they become resident for more than 6 months.

Office of Tax Simplification: Finance

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much public money was spent by his Department on (a) internal staff costs, (b) external consultancy and (c) stakeholder engagement relating to the review of the effectiveness of the Office of Tax Simplification on 28 November 2021.

Victoria Atkins: Finance Act 2016 requires HM Treasury to review and publish a report every five years on the effectiveness of the Office of Tax Simplification. The first review was published on 28 November 2021 and was conducted in line with Cabinet Office guidance on reviewing Arm’s Length Bodies, as set out in the Public Bodies Review Programme. A wide range of external stakeholders were consulted throughout the review, but no external consultancy services were used. The Government does not hold information regarding the internal staffing costs of conducting the review.

Tax Avoidance

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of tax avoided through disguised remuneration schemes in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will take steps to ensure those tax bills are settled by people or companies that recommended, promoted and operated those schemes.

Victoria Atkins: HMRC estimates the tax gap, which is the difference between the amount of tax that should, in theory, be paid to HMRC, and what is actually paid. Around £0.4 billion of this gap is estimated to relate to marketed avoidance schemes, including disguised remuneration (DR) schemes, in 2020-21. HMRC’s data shows that the vast majority of marketed avoidance scheme use relates to DR schemes. DR avoidance schemes seek to avoid tax that is due from those that use them, so action to counteract this involves a tax charge on the scheme user, rather than the promoter or enablers of such schemes. Where the user was employed, HMRC will go to the employer to settle the tax due or collect the Loan Charge in the first instance. Where collection from an employer is not possible, such as when the employer no longer exists or is based offshore, HMRC considers other options to collect the tax due. The Government and HMRC are committed to tackling promoters and enablers of tax avoidance schemes. Legislation included in Finance Acts 2021 and 2022 strengthens and accelerates this power and other measures to tackle promoters and enablers.

Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made for the average waiting time on HM Revenue and Custom's phone lines for individuals seeking support with tax credits; and if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of that call waiting time.

Victoria Atkins: HMRC publishes performance data monthly and quarterly at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-monthly-performance-reports and https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates.

Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support people with learning difficulties when using HM Revenue and Customs phonelines.

Victoria Atkins: HMRC has a range of options available to customers who need extra support, including for people with learning difficulties. Details can be found on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/get-help-hmrc-extra-support.

Electric Vehicles: Excise Duties

Janet Daby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the projected increase in the number of electric vehicles on future revenues from Vehicle Excise Duty.

James Cartlidge: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) periodically forecasts the impact of increased electric vehicles on future motoring tax revenues, including Vehicle Excise Duty, as part of its Fiscal Risks and Sustainability report. More information can be found on the OBR’s website: https://obr.uk/frs/fiscal-risks-and-sustainability-july-2022/. The Government set out as part of its Net Zero Strategy that revenue from motoring taxes would keep pace with the transition to electric vehicles.

Energy: Prices

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will review Government support with energy costs including for single-person, low-income households.

James Cartlidge: The government has announced unprecedented support within its Growth Plan to protect households and businesses from high energy prices. On 8th September, it was announced that the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will cap the unit price households pay for electricity and gas from 1st October 2022 for 6 months, meaning that the typical household will pay no more than £2500 a year. This is in addition to the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) which provides all households with £400 over winter 2022/23, as well as further support announced earlier this year providing an additional £800 for the most vulnerable households and further support for pensioners. On 17th October, the Chancellor announced a Treasury-led review of energy support after April 2023 to ensure the UK’s economic stability and provide confidence in the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline.

Private Rented Housing

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps his Department could take to ensure that privately rented properties are not used as short term holiday lets.

Victoria Atkins: There are stringent conditions to be a Furnished Holiday Let (FHL), including that it must be available for commercial let for at least 210 days and let commercially for at least 105 days of the year. There are also separate criteria for FHLs to be eligible for business rates. In January 2022, the Government announced strengthened criteria requiring owners of holiday rentals to prove that their property was advertised for at least 140 days and actually let out for at least 70 days to qualify for a business rates assessment. This will ensure that only genuine holiday rentals are assessed for business rates and, where appropriate, able to access the rates relief available for small businesses. As with all aspects of the tax system, the Government will keeps FHLs under review and any decisions on future changes will be taken by the Chancellor in the context of the wider public finances.

Capital Gains Tax: Income Tax

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment has he made of the potential amount of revenue that could be raised by aligning Capital Gains Tax rates with Income Tax.

Victoria Atkins: In 2020, the then Chancellor commissioned the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) to carry out a review of Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The OTS provided a costing on aligning CGT rates with those of Income Tax. However, this was a static costing, and so did not account for behavioural effects which would significantly reduce the yield.

Landlords: Tax Allowances

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the impact of Section 24 of the Finance Act 2015 on levels of revenue loss among landlords.

Victoria Atkins: Using the latest Self-Assessment data, HMRC estimate that in tax year 2019-20 only 13 per cent of landlords paid more tax on their property income as a result of restricting the finance cost relief to the basic rate of Income Tax.

Wealth: Taxation

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the recommendations of the the UK Wealth Tax Commission's report published on 9 December 2020.

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has mad an assessment of the potential merits of introducing new taxes on wealth.

Victoria Atkins: The Government has no plans to introduce new taxes on wealth. The Government keeps all tax policy under review.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Gambling: Mental Health

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Gambling Commission was involved the study published in the Lancet entitled Policies and interventions to reduce harmful gambling: an international Delphi consensus and implementation rating study, published in August 2022, including the proposal for a universal ban on all gambling marketing, advertising, and promotions.

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Lancet article entitled Policies and interventions to reduce harmful gambling: an international Delphi consensus and implementation rating study, published in August 2022, whether she has made an assessment of that article's findings that there should be a universal ban on all gambling marketing, advertising, and promotions.

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Lancet article entitled Policies and interventions to reduce harmful gambling: an international Delphi consensus and implementation rating study, published August 2022, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her polices of that article's findings that there should be a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol at land-based gambling venues.

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Lancet article entitled Policies and interventions to reduce harmful gambling: an international Delphi consensus and implementation rating study, published in August 2022, what assessment she has made of the implications for her polices of that article's findings that no brands, colours, imagery, corporate logos and trademarks should be displayed on gambling products.

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Lancet article entitled Policies and interventions to reduce harmful gambling: an international Delphi consensus and implementation rating study, published in August 2022, whether she has made an assessment of the implications for her polices of that article's findings that there should be a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol at land-based gambling venues, including bingo clubs, casinos and racecourses.

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Lancet, entitled Policies and interventions to reduce harmful gambling: an international Delphi consensus and implementation rating study, published in August 2022, what recent discussions she has had with the Gambling Commission on that article's proposals to introduce a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol at land-based gambling venues including bingo clubs, casinos and racecourses.

Paul Scully: Public Health England commissioned the Delphi study in question alongside their independent review of the evidence on gambling-related harms. As is protocol for studies of this kind, the participants have been kept anonymous but the Commission has not provided any formal advice or notification to the Department on the report’s content or recommendations. DCMS officials have regular discussions with the Gambling Commission on a range of issues relating to gambling regulation and the evidence on gambling.Issues around the advertising and marketing of gambling and the rules governing land-based gambling form part of the broad scope of the government's Review of the Gambling Act 2005. We are closely considering all evidence on these and other topics, and will set out our conclusions and proposals for reform in a white paper to be published in the coming weeks.